If you check the history when your child signs off, you can see where he has been and you'll be able to verify that he or she is following the rules.
Emergency plan
Develop an emergency plan and role-play various situations so
that your child will be prepared to react quickly and correctly
in an emergency. Review with children what to do in case they
are home alone in an emergency. Write emergency phone numbers
in a conspicuous place. Also post your work number and numbers
of stay-at-home neighbors that you trust. Make sure your street
address number is large and well-lit so emergency personnel can
find your home quickly.
Carpenter recommends short test runs with parental questioning afterwards. "The parent should make sure after each test run that the child understood the instructions and followed those instructions," she says.
Disaster preparations
Natural and man-made disasters sometimes occur and it is
important for children to know what to do in case it is
necessary to evacuate or remain indoors due to a disaster.
Your child needs to know who to contact if a disaster occurs that requires evacuation. She needs to know how to tune in to emergency broadcasting information and who to contact to get instructions and directions. She should be instructed not to use 911 as a general inquiry line because 911 will be jammed in a time of disaster. Maintain a family disaster supply kit with essentials you will need in an emergency. Make a list of local emergency numbers, work numbers, doctors' numbers and family numbers. Keep a copy by the phone and in each family member's wallet.
Consistent rules
Tell your child what the rules are concerning use of the
telephone and Internet, and for friends and visitors coming to
the house. Prepare your child in advance for any eventualities
that might arise. Develop an emergency plan and role-play
various situations so that your child will be prepared to react
quickly and correctly in an emergency.
You know your child
You will know when she is mature enough to stay home alone. The
decision to leave a child at home alone should depend on the
general safety of the neighborhood, the child's level or
readiness and the ability of the parents to monitor in some
way.
The bottom line is in most cases, the parent has to work and
the child stays alone after school. Being home alone has its
benefits and its drawbacks. It can be dangerous and tempting
and it can also teach responsibility. Make this a positive
experience for your family. Be sure your home is as safe a
place as possible, enforce your rules consistently, and prepare
your child for any crisis that might arise.
Want to know more? You might also be interested in these articles:
- 16 tools for effective parents
- Help your child retire a millionaire
- Rockin' birthday for a 12 year old
- More Pre-Teens!
About the author: Anita Biase is a retired teacher who holds a degree in educational technology. She can be reached at emilyrose2342000@yahoo.com.
© Copyright 2003-7 SheKnows, LLC and/or individual copyright holders. All Rights Reserved.
5 |
