Staying Home Alone

In order to pay the bills and keep food on the table, many parents are required to maintain full-time jobs while their children are in school. The economy isn't in prime condition, and stay-at-home parenting is not always financially feasible or even desirable. As a result, many kids across the nation return to an empty home after school. It is important that 'latchkey kids' understand and engage in safe behavior. By opening the lines of communication, parents can ensure their children are adequately prepared for the big responsibility of being home alone.

First, make sure that you stress the importance of following house safety rules without instilling fear in your children. You want your kids to feel safe and empowered when they are home without supervision, not constantly frightened of potential danger.

Create a list of emergency contacts, such as trusted neighbors and friends, and safety personnel, including the local fire and police departments. Post the list in a spot that your children can easily find during an emergency. Also, it sounds easy enough, but make sure that your kids know their home phone number and address. During the panic of an emergency, it's not uncommon for children to become overwhelmed and forget basic information. Write down your home phone number and address, and keep it with the list of emergency contacts for easy access.

Assemble or purchase a first-aid kit. Teach your kids basic first-aid, such as how to clean a wound with hydrogen peroxide, how to apply ointment, and how to attach a band-aid to an injury. Remind your children that bleeding is natural with cuts and burns, and that injuries must be treated to avoid infection.

Set strict ground rules for your children. Make sure they know what types of activities are not allowed without adult supervision

Test the batteries in your smoke detectors regularly, and teach your kids what to do in the event of a fire. Create a fire evacuation plan, and perform drills with your family. Make sure that your kids know that firefighters are helpful individuals that should not be feared. During an emergency, such as a break-in or fire, a child's instincts may tell them to hide. The last thing you want your kid to do during a fire is hide from emergency personnel!

Set strict ground rules for your children. Make sure they know what types of activities are not allowed without adult supervision, such as stove cooking or bathing, and explain why they cannot engage in this behavior when home alone. Don't forget these basic rules:

• Never open the door to strangers
• Use caller ID or an answering machine to screen calls, only answer calls from trusted friends and family members
• Keep all doors and windows locked
• If you return home an see broken windows or doors, do not enter the home; find a trusted neighbor and ask for help