A lot has been written about children being alone after school. Since you know your child’s maturity level, only you can decide if your child is old enough to be left alone.
Here are some tips that parents can follow to ensure that your child has proper guidance and safety. ■Always prepare a child who is mature enough to be home alone for any challenges he or she may face. ■Let your child know the safety risks involved, i.e., how to stay safe from fire, a stranger knocking on the door, etc. Teach your child how to respond in emergencies. List phone numbers in a prominent place so that your child can call if they have any questions regarding their safety. Be sure to include each parent’s workplace and cell phone number, the police department, fire department, emergency medical team in your area, poison control center number and your trusted neighbor’s number. ■Set rules and place them on a large board in your home. Talk to your child about specific rules and the need for them. Ask for your child’s input on these rules. Some rules may be for the use of phone, computer, TV; using the stove or other appliances; doing homework; allowing friends to come over; leaving the home to go outdoors; and the necessity to leave a message on your phone if your child does go outdoors. ■Your child must also be prepared for emergencies such as losing their home key, discovering a fire,injuring themselves,missing their ride from school, and perhaps finding your home door open when they come home. ■ Let your child know the length of time they will be alone each day and if you say you’ll be home by 6:00 PM, don’t stop on the way home to buy milk and bread. Call your child if you really can’t avoid being late. Let your child know what is expected of them. Encourage your child in doing their homework assignments. Perhaps you can ask your child to set the table, fold the clothes in the dryer or some other chore while they are home. ■If your child becomes bored until you arrive home, find time to talk about a hobby your child may be interested in. On the weekends go to the library and research the hobby. Go to your local hobby shop to purchase items needed. At-home hobbies can include collecting things, writing, art, music, etc. ■Your child’s well-being and safety is in your hands. Help your child make the most out of their time home alone. Don’t forget to spend some quality time in the evenings with your child. Talk to your child about their school day and time spent alone. Plan special activities on the weekends.
Make your shared time a special time for your child.
Latchkey children are the result of our changing society where two-parent families often need their income to meeting their cost of living expenses, single-parent families are increasing and many families may not be able to afford before and after school programs. Remember parents are the “key” to their own child’s safety and well-being when left home alone.
Linda Milo is “The Parent-Child Connection Coach.” For more information, visit www.empoweringparentsnow.com. To book a free parent coaching session, write
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 23, 2007. Read the original PDF.