Many
parents worry about the need to leave children home alone while they work. Here
are some tips that can help ease your mind.
First,
make a set of rules and post them where they can’t be missed. Some useful items
for the list include:
Children
should go straight home and not speak with strangers on the way.
They
should always keep the door locked.
They
should always answer the phone, but never say they’re alone. They should say
their parents can’t come to the phone, take a message and hang up.
If
children find a door or a window broken, they should go straight to a trusted
neighbor and call a parent or the police.
Drill
your child on how to call the police and give your complete address clearly.
Children
should have clear access to emergency numbers, and know what to do in case of
fire, or when the smoke detector goes off. Have a fire escape plan.
Set
up a telephone routine if you can be at a phone each day when the child is due
home. Call and say hello, and have the child call you back. Work out an
alternative so children can be assured human contact if you are
unavailable.
If
you’re going to be late getting home, let your child know well in advance.
Even
young people who are quite confident about staying home alone can have some
nagging fears set off by a strange noise or an ambulance siren.
Many
schools have programs for children of working parents. Remember, you’re not
alone.
