How to Prepare Your Child to be Left Home Alone

Your child will get to an age where he could be left alone for short periods of time. You spent the first 12 years of his life teaching lessons on safety and responsibility. You've had talks about stranger danger. But the mother instincts in you may tell you that he's forgotten details or you may have missed something. Follow these steps to prepare your child to be left home alone for brief periods of time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A list of phone numbers
• A home phone or cell phone for their child
• Rules

1. List of Phone Numbers Leave your child a list of names and phone numbers. This should include the nearest neighbor, nearest relative, parents, police, fire and other emergency numbers.
2. Locked the Doors Prepare your child to be safe in the home. Teach them to lock all doors behind him. Remind him that no one is to be let in when no one else is home. Teach him how to answer the phone appropriately so no one suspects he is left home alone.
3. Friends Over the rule with your child before you leave. Decide if they will be allowed to have friends over, if they'll be allowed snacks and what the approved activities will be while you're gone.
4. Address Your Child's Fears About Being Home Alone Ask a child appears she has any concerns about being left home alone. Address their fears to make them felt comfortable with the situation.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave a key with a trusted neighbor or the nearest relatives.
• Call to check on your child.
• Let your child know that you trust him but are still concerned.
• Don't tell anyone that your child will be left home alone.
• Don't let your child coke while you are out.
• Don't let your child stay home alone too long.