Whether your children come home to an empty house after school or they will be spending the summer at home while you work, their safety is always your first concern. Once you have decided that your children are mature and old enough to handle the responsibility that comes with staying home alone, you likely want to do everything in your power to ensure their safety.. Here are some tips to prepare your children for this big responsibility:
1 – Set safety rules about using the kitchen.
You should limit the use of the stove or oven. Having sandwich fixings or items that can be heated in a microwave should hold a child over until you can come home and make dinner. Make sure your child knows how to operate each appliance as necessary. ALWAYS invest in a good smoke alarm or heat detector just in case.
2 – Establish rules about friends coming over while parents are gone.
While your child may be perfectly mature and able to stay home safely, even well mannered children can get into trouble when they are together. Know your child’s friends and their friend’s parents. Have their phone numbers. If your child doesn’t answer their phone, call their friend. If you have any questions about the maturity of your child’s friends, ensure that you make rules accordingly.
3 – Create a list of emergency contacts.
Even if your child has a cell phone, nothing beats a paper list. Your emergency contacts should include 9-1-1 (or another local emergency number), your place of work, your cell phone and the numbers of nearby friends or family members you can trust.
4 – Stock a first-aid kit and ensure your child knows how to use it.
First-aid kits should include band-aids, gauze pads, antibacterial cream and other safety essentials. The kit should also include other emergency supplies, including flashlights and fresh batteries. Make sure that your child knows where they are located and how to use the items.
5 – Lock up or remove dangerous items.
These include guns, knives, power tools, ammunition, lighters, matches and other items that could compromise your child’s safety. This is especially important if your child has friends who might be coming over. This will prevent the possibility of a safety accident. Stress the importance of never showing these items to anyone!
6 – Enforce a policy about strangers.
Not only is it never safe for a child to open the door to strangers, but children should also know that they shouldn’t tell people on the phone that their parents are not at home.
7 – Investing in a security system
Security systems are no longer for users when they aren’t at home. Parents can be instantly notified on their cell phone when child is home and disarms the system. They can be notified when a door is opened and view cameras to see who is at the door. With a monitored fire system, parents can have peace of mind that if a fire were to occur, emergency help would be on the way. These systems are simple to use and can send emergency help with just the push of a button.
Ultimately, you are facing a difficult decision that every parent experiences. Leaving your child home alone can be stressful, but putting a plan of action into place can ensure their safety. Ignoring the risks of leaving a child unsupervised is dangerous, but taking action to minimize these risks is the best thing you can do to foster a sense of independence and safety.
