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Home Alone Isn’t All Bad

Raising a child or children isn’t always an easy task.  Sometimes parents have to make decisions that are difficult to make.  In today’s world where many families have two working parents or a single parent playing the role of both parents, many children are left to fend for themselves for several hours a week.

While this may be a scary proposition for some parents, especially in the beginning of such a situation, setting up a plan of action that includes guidelines and rules can easily allay one’s fears.  If it is necessary for your child to remain at home, unsupervised by an adult, take the time to prepare a list of guidelines for your child.  Think of it as a preventative measure against trouble, small or large.

Chances are that if you are a working parent, you have already begun setting the groundwork necessary for raising a responsible child or children.  Providing a list of rules, a list of “what to do” scenarios in case the unexpected occurs, and having consistent expectations will make the experience that much easier and less traumatic for everyone involved.

Guidelines to protect your child’s welfare:

• Compile a list of ground rules for your child that he or she understands.  For example, if you want homework completed before you arrive home, then make that clear.  After all, if you didn’t enjoy doing your homework as a child, why expect your child to enjoy it?
• Compose a list of names and phone numbers for your child to call in case of emergencies.  Place the list in an accessible location and keep it there always.
• If you have a programmable telephone, set it up for speed dial for the phone numbers that you have selected.  Label your set up.
• If your schedule changes, be sure to let your child know.  For example, if you will be arriving home later than usual, contact your child so that he or she doesn’t worry.
• If your child’s schedule changes, be sure that he or she understands the necessity of letting you know.
• Run a mock drill for your child for different emergencies.  This way, you can relax because you know that your child truly understands what to do.  Make sure that your child knows where the first aid kit is, who to call first for help, where to go in the event of a fire, etc.
• Telephone your child to be sure that he or she arrived home safely from school.
• Provide a list of “forever rules” that is easily visible for a reminder.  For example, no friends allowed when a parent isn’t home, keep the door locked at all times, and don’t answer the door or telephone.
• Prepare ready to eat snacks or purchase them from the store ahead of time.  Keep them in a handy and easily accessed location for your child.

Once you arrive home, remember to bond with your child.

• Prepare and eat dinner together and chat about the day both of you had.
• Help your child finish up any incomplete homework.  Talk about what he or she is learning in school.
• Play a game of cards or a game that both of you enjoy.
• Read a chapter or two from a popular and engaging book.
• Go outside and toss a ball around for a while, walk the family dog together, or enjoy a nice walk.

Remember that each family’s circumstances are different so tailor your lists and expectations accordingly.  Realize that providing basic ground rules provides your child with less opportunity to get into trouble, develop anxious feelings, or feel unloved.  Being home alone isn’t so bad for a child, provided that safety is guaranteed to a certain degree, the child is of an age that he or she can easily be left home, the time spent alone isn’t too long, and bonding activities take place daily. 

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