Leaving Your Kids Home Alone: How to Do It Safely |
Posted: July 5, 2018 |
When deciding it is secure to leave your child at home without adult supervision, you want to consider your child's maturity level. The skills that a kid should have prior to being left alone consist of responsibility for themselves, the ability to remain calm in stressful conditions, and a good understanding of the fundamentals of the home. The kid should also understand when he or she is home alone, the rules will differ and may be stricter You should also check your regional state and city laws about when it's allowed to leave a child in the home alone. These laws vary by country. Generally, it's considered safe for a 10-year-old kid to spend some time in your house with no adult. Be aware of your child's abilities and limitations before deciding to leave them alone. Here’s a few helpful tips for leaving your kids home in the safest way possible. Learn Basic First AidBefore being left alone, your child should know the basics of first aid, such as how to deal with a cut, scrape, or bruise. If your child gets overly upset when she hurts herself, this is a good reason to avoid leaving her alone. Keep a ScheduleBe sure that chores and responsibilities are taken care of prior to allowing your child to stay home alone again. Best case scenario, your child should not have unrestricted screen time while you are gone. Give your child a schedule of activities, including chores, reading, and play without electronics. Lock Up Perilous ThingsAny and all weapons, power tools, razor blades, and other objects that are considered dangerous should be locked up and inaccessible while your child is home alone.Don’t forget it is mandatory to secure cleaning products and medications. Rules for BabysitterIf you are leaving an older child in charge of younger children, make sure that your older child comprehends the responsibility.There are many babysitting courses available and it may be wise to have your older child take one of these courses. Have an Hourly CallThis guideline can be adjusted based on a child’s age and needs, but it is a good starting point to be in contact by phone hourly. For an older child or teen, you can push it past an hour. You can also require that your child texts you at prescribed intervals. Use a Home Security ServiceYou can make sure that all doors and windows are alarmed and perhaps even monitor your children with a camera. DIY Home Security brings extra safety and reassurance to parents and children alike. Having a security system will bring you peace of mind when you can’t be at home with your children. Stranger DangerThe child needs to understand how to keep safe from strangers and never to open the door for anyone who is not authorized to be in the home. Any service appointments should be scheduled only when an adult is at home. Delivery people should be asked to leave the package outside the door or be told to come back another time Make sure that your children know basic online safety skills before permitting them to use the Internet while they are unsupervised. It is also important to remind children never to tell others that they are home alone when they are online. ConclusionLeaving a child at home alone can be scary. Having a home security system will help you feel better about your child’s first steps to independence. If your child is apprehensive about being at home without an adult, consider getting a sitter or a daycare program. Following your instincts and those of your child will pay off in the trust between the two of you.
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