Home Alone

Another big safety concern for parents is how to protect "latchkey" kids who are home alone after school. Don't let a stranger inside the house. It's a good rule, but can be misleading. Stranger is a confusing word for many children. Many kids expect strangers to be scary, poorly dressed people who drive dark old cars and offer candy. Remind them that a stranger is anyone you or your children do not know well or don't trust, regardless of how they look. Talk to your children about strangers approaching them and some of the ploys they might use. Stress to them that adults don't ask a child's help to find a puppy or get directions; the should ask another adult for that information. Remind them to never give the impression they are home alone if strangers telephone or come to the door. Never open the door for a stranger, and teach them about dialing 911.

Parents should only leave children home on their own when they are certain the child is both able and ready for the responsibility. Age, maturity, location and time are just some of the variables that must be considered in doing so. The buddy system is the most ideal one and parents should seek out other parents with children compatible and suitable to take turns staying with each other. Any form of organized activity, or the immediate availability of a trusted adult, can provide the necessary guidance to help ensure your child's safety and also give you peace of mind.

If your child must be home alone, they need to know the following rules:

• Keep Doors Shut: Instead of telling kids not to let a stranger in, the real rule needs to be: Keep the door shut and locked at all times. Don't fill your child's head with "don'ts"; simply tell them to keep all doors closed. If someone comes to the door, your child can communicate with this person through the door or ignore them completely.

• Set Check-In Time: Another thing parents should ask their child to do is call and let Mom or Dad know that she/he is home safe. Have your child call at the same time each day. Give 10 minutes plus or minus to allow for a slow bus, etc ... then call or have someone check if he/she doesn't meet this deadline. Also, find a close neighbour who is usually home around this time. If there is a problem and you can't be reached, the child knows to call this person. Parents need to remember that kids who are home alone are much more likely to encounter dangers such as cooking fires or accidental injuries while playing than being abducted by a stranger.