In most households, summertime
means a change of schedule from the usual routine. When children are involved,
this change can get tricky to navigate, because children tend to be creatures
of habit.
Here are some suggestions to
help make the transition as smooth as possible:
If children will be home alone
for a while, discuss your expectations and household rules. Tell children what
they can’t do, what they can do, and when they can do it.
Be very specific and try to
cover as many contingencies as possible.
Stage a practice run before you
leave children alone. Let them rehearse the routine while you’re away but
nearby.
They can call you if they run
into any snags, and you can show them how the situation should be handled in
the future.
Make sure your children know
that you trust them, and that letting them stay alone is helping them become
even more responsible. But be sure to warn them that if they can’t follow the
rules, they will lose the privilege of caring for themselves.
Post the rules on the
refrigerator door where they will be easily accessible.
As an example, many families
allow snacking but no cooking. Children should not be allowed to have visitors
except for those you have approved in advance.
Rules of this sort protect your
children’s safety while giving them a sense of importance and responsibility
for their own actions. It’s never too early to start on that important road.
