It is possible to keep your kids safe when you let them stay home alone, if you know the precautions and make rules for your children to follow. Summer is the time when children do not have to go to school. Many will stay home or some will attend extracurricular classes or extra-curricular classes for only a few hours. There are many parents going to work, so they have to leave their kids alone at home for a certain period of time without anyone looking after them. If you are in this situation, you should learn how to keep your children safe while at home alone, knowing how to deal with strangers and risk factors when parents are absent. Here are some suggestions that you can use to keep your kids safe:
Teach your children how to use the phone
If possible, keep in touch with your child by phone. If your child comes home from school without their parents, tell them to call you as soon as you get home. In addition, you should pre-install your phone number and relatives in the phone book and tell her to only receive calls from named numbers.
Keep the emergency contact nearby
Paste a list of phone numbers on the refrigerator, on a bookshelf or anywhere that your kids can easily see. The list should include all emergency contacts like police’s number, relative’s number or anyone else you think your child may get support when they need it. If you feel that your next-door neighbors are trusted people, ask for their number and contact them if you can’t call your child when he or she is home alone.
Train your child’s psychology
Let’s teach your children what to do if they are injured or need help. You can also let your children try to practice assuming emergencies. Tell them to be calm if they face with strangers and try to escape as soon as possible if there is a chance.
No cooking
Children should not be exposed to fire to prevent a fire hazard. It is advisable to lock the stove and gas tank valve carefully, unplug the hotplug to use the kettle before going out. On the other hand, before going out and getting close to the meal, have a snack ready for the kids and place it on the table, where it can be easily taken.
Put sharp objects in high places
Sharp objects such as knives, scissors, kitchen tools, repair tools … are also dangerous for young children. With curiosity, they may want to touch those objects and accidentally get hurt. So, put them where they can’t reach to keep these dangerous away from them.
Daytime is better than night
Although accidents can occur at any time of the day, finding help during the day is easier than at night. In addition, young children often feel scared if they are alone at home when it is dark. Ideally, you should leave your baby alone at home for a short time during the day.
Make some rules
There are some rules that parents should make to keep their kids safe:
- They are not allowed to leave the house.
- Never open the door to strangers, delivery staff, or electric repair workers.
- Do not use matches or lighters.
- Never tell anyone there are staying at home alone.
