Safety While Your Childs Alone   by Bryan Buckner

Working parents- and that's the majority of American families today- share the anxiety, frustration, and even fear involved in leaving children "on their own" when school lets out, child care arrangements with neighbors or relatives break down, or there simply are not any alternatives.

What Can You Do?

Make sure your children are ready to care for themselves. Teach them basic safety rules. Know where your kids are, what they are doing, and whom they are with.

Are They Ready? Can Your Children....

Be trusted to go straight home after school?

Easily use the telephone, locks, and kitchen appliances?

Follow rules and instuctions well?

Handle unexpected situations without panicking?

Stay home alone without being afraid?

Talk it over with them, and listen to their worries and ideas. Work out rules on having friends over, household chores, homework, and television. Remember, staying at home alone can build a child's self esteem, sense or responsibility, and practical skills.

Teach Your "Home Alone" Children...

How to call 9-1-1 or your area's emergency number, or call the operator.

How to give directions to your house in case of an emergency.

To check in with you or a neighbor immediately after arriving home.

To never accept gifts or rides from people they don't know well. (And you approve of in advance.)

How to use the door, windows, locks, and alarm system if you have one.

To never let anyone into the home without asking your permission.

To never let a caller at the door or on the phone know they are alone.

To carry a house key with them in a safe place (inside a shirt pocket or sock)- do not leave it under a mat or on a ledge.

How to escape in case of fire.

To not go into the house or apartment if things do not look right- a broken window, ripped screen, or opened door.

Finally, to let you know about anything that frightens them or makes them feel uncomfortable.

Following these tips, educating and effectively communicating with your children, and most importantly listening to their fears and concerns should help relieve a great deal of the anxiety and tension placed on everyone involved!

About the Author

Bryan J. Buckner is an experienced home and personal security professional. He currently provides consulting services and offers a wide range of self defense and surveillance products through his company Guardian Self Defense and Security Products. For all your self defense needs visit: http://www.guardian-self-defense.com/ and for business or home security and surveillance visit: http://www.guardian-surveillance-cameras.com/