Specific Instructions to be given to children when they have to stay home alone

With the rise in criminal activities related to children, it has become increasingly important that you give specific instructions regarding their safety to your children. The world is not safe but it is beautiful and left open for them to explore. Here are some specific instructions to be given to children when they have to stay home alone.

Decide to leave your child alone at home only when you are sure that they are responsible enough to take care of themselves. Safety experts say that children below ten years of age are not to be left alone. I would suggest that do not stick to the experts; stick to your instincts! Are you sure you can leave your child unattended?

If you feel that the kid is capable to stay alone, first tell him the golden principle you learnt in childhood-do not talk to strangers. Never ever answer the door bell, forget about opening it. If it is someone the child knows, who is at the door, inform him to come later, or better still call you.

Next is to ask them to stay away from the gas stove, or oven. If he needs to have meals, then you leave it prepared. Let him sustain on snacks and energy bars till you return. There is no point in calling for food from outside; try not to leave too much money at home, though some is advisable.

Next is leave a few numbers such as your own and your immediate neighbours phone number in a separate number stuck close to the telephone. Tell him if there is something bothering him let him call his neighbour. If he fears something really serious, like a break in by a burglar, he must call 911.

If your child is carrying a house key, let him do so in a chain attached to his neck. This chain also should be hidden from sight, for anyone who sees the key, is sure to know that the child is alone at home. Also remember to leave a light on in your bedroom when you are away. This will elude the stranger that there is someone at the bedroom apart from the child. At night ask your child to leave a radio on in your bedroom; it will appear that you too are home.

There is another trick that I have taught my kid. Whenever I leave him alone and there is a stranger on the phone I ask him to say-‘mom/dad you have a call’. I tell him to count fifteen and then pick up the receiver and say ‘my mom/dad cannot take your call right now. Can I take a message and your number so that she can call you back?’ you too can try this method.

Keep the first aid kit available and also the some task that he is busy for at least some time. If your child is not confident enough to stay at home alone, never force him.