| > | | | | case he or she gets minor injuries. For example, if |
| When you have determined your child is old | | | | your child gets a shallow cut, he or she should |
| enough and the circumstances are safe enough, | | | | know how to clean the wound and bandage it up. |
| you may begin to leave your child home alone for | | | | If in case your child gets into a more serious |
| brief periods. Be certain your child knows how to | | | | accident, he or she should know how to call 911. |
| keep themselves safe. At what age should you | | | | Make sure that your child knows all of the |
| consider leaving a child home alone? In the United | | | | important numbers in case of an emergency like |
| States, some states have laws or | | | | your work number and people he or she can |
| recommendations, but on average the accepted | | | | contact. |
| age is twelve. Some states may make allowances | | | | Also, set up an emergency kit in an easily |
| for children as young as nine for latchkey children | | | | accessible part of the house in case of a storm |
| who will only be home alone a short time after | | | | or a black out. The kit should include a flashlight |
| school until a parent returns from work. Parents | | | | and some batteries. Tell your child where to stay |
| need to make this decision about when to leave a | | | | in case of a black out or a storm, like in the |
| child home alone based on their own unique | | | | basement or in the living room. Teach your child |
| circumstances such as the maturity of their child, | | | | about how to be safe during emergencies like |
| the safety of their neighborhood, the nearness of | | | | fires and earthquakes. These are rare |
| helpful neighbors or relatives, etc. | | | | occurrences, but it is necessary for your child to |
| There are some basic rules that your child has to | | | | be prepared for any situation. To lessen the |
| know when he or she is at home alone. For | | | | chance of fires, make sure that your child does |
| example, your child should know how to lock and | | | | not use the stove unless he or she is old |
| unlock all of the doors and windows for safety. | | | | enough. |
| Any appliances that your child needs to use should | | | | If you have neighbors that you can trust, then |
| be safely plugged in, and you need to make sure | | | | give them a set of keys so that if your child |
| that your child knows how to operate these | | | | accidentally gets locked out, he or she can go to |
| appliances. If they are not allowed to use certain | | | | the neighbors. Your child should keep his or her |
| appliances, make sure that these are unplugged or | | | | key hidden somewhere safe on their person |
| out of reach, or that you are certain your child is | | | | preferably, and not make it broadly known to all |
| mature enough to follow your rule. | | | | their friends that they carry their house key. It is |
| Remember to go over the basic rules with your | | | | best if they not have their friends over because |
| child every so often to remind him or her. Make | | | | a friend may influence a child to break rules they |
| sure that your child understands to never let | | | | normally would not. |
| strangers into the house, and that he or she does | | | | If you follow these steps, your child will be a lot |
| not answer calls from unknown callers. Tell your | | | | safer in your home when you're not around. |
| child to tell you about any fears that they might | | | | Remember that your child's safety is of the |
| have about being home alone so that you can | | | | utmost importance, and do not forget to check |
| address these fears. | | | | up on your child by telephone or other means until |
| Your child should know how to do basic first aid in | | | | you return. |