After you take the plunge and leave your kids home alone for the first time, you will feel much better about it if you know that they know what to do in a given scenario. Here are some things your kids should know before you leave them home alone for any amount of time-
- First Aid This is rule number ONE of leaving your kids home alone. Make sure they know basic first aid and where to find the materials they’ll need. Bandages, gauze, alcohol wipes, medicinal creams, etc are all good items to have on hand. Make sure they know about calling 911 and have the Poison Control Center’s phone number somewhere where kids can see it. Make sure you give examples of when NOT to call 911.
- Who to call for help Not all emergencies elicit a call to 911 or the Police. Make sure that you leave a list of relatives or trusted neighbors that your kids can call if they need help.
- Family Fire Safety Plan Every family should have a fire safety plan and also have that plan memorized. Make sure you have a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide alarm in your home to protect your family. Teach your kids to get out of the house if there is a fire and call the fire department when they reach the designated safe spot. Teach kids about “stop, drop, and roll”. If you live in an area with other frequent dangers like tornadoes, make sure your kids know what to do when they hear the siren.
- How to use the Alarm System I know not all families have an alarm system, but if you do, make sure the kids can use it.
- How to shut off utilities Let say that there is an overflowing toilet incident while you are done. If you don’t want to come home to a mini beach covering your hardwood floors and $300 shag rug, your kids should know how to shut off water and other utilities.
- What if the doorbell rings? Rule number TWO of letting kids say home alone is never open the door. Should your children answer THROUGH the door? I would have to say no, but as a parent you can decide for yourself. Make sure you children don’t leave the house and go with someone who says they have candy or that their parents are hurt.
- Are friends allowed over? This is also a decide-for-yourself rule. Its probably okay for 11, 12, or 13 year old kids to be over while you’re gone if you are comfortable with that and if their parents know you aren’t home.
- Technology rules? Be very clear about when children can use the TV, Ipads, or computer. Make sure the kids know what shows or games are blacklisted!
- Can they go outside? This depends on age, front yard or back yard, and the general nature of your neighborhood.
- What if the phone rings? If the phone rings, make sure kids know never to tell anyone that they are home alone. If they ask for a parent, make sure they know to tell them you can’t come to the phone right now and to take a message. This is also a great time to have caller ID, that way they don’t have to answer the phone for any number they don’t recognize.
What rules do you have in place for your children staying at home alone?
