Leaving your kids at home for the first time is a very big decision to make. However, it is a part of growing up and something that you need to prepare for. If you think your children are ready, but are unsure what to do next, then keep on reading.
Below, we are going to discuss six things that you should do before leaving your kids home alone:
Create A Contact List
The very first thing you should do before leaving your children alone is to create an emergency contact list and place it (laminated) near the phone. This way, if anything does happen and they cannot get in contact with you, they know who to call. It should include family members, neighbors, trusted friends, and emergency services.
Childproof Your Home
No matter how much you trust your child, it is still wise to childproof your home before you decide to leave them alone. Make sure that anything dangerous is locked up, including medication, alcohol, lighters, and car keys. If you own guns, they should be stored unloaded with the ammunition kept separately. Trust us when we say it is a simple thing that you will not regret.
Install A Security System
Installing a security system is another wise thing to do that has a lot of benefits. Not only will it scare off unwanted guests, but with live surveillance, you can always check to make sure they got home safely. To get started, take a look at a company like Vivint. They have a huge range with great features. There are even smart locks that allow you to open a door without a key!
Speak To Your Neighbors
It is good to have neighbors that are there for you, so make sure you fill them in when you start leaving your children at home. They will be able to keep an eye out for you and can be an excellent emergency contact if something does go wrong. You might even think about leaving some spare keys with them, just in case your child loses them.
Arrange Some Activities
Having a routine in place is a great way to keep your children occupied. You might try encouraging them to finish their homework and to complete some chores before they have free time. This will stop them from feeling lonely and teaches them the importance of helping out around the house. Do not forget to make sure they have plenty of after-school snacks as well!
Create A Safety Plan
Lastly, the most important thing to do before leaving your kids home alone is to make sure there is a safety plan in place for different emergencies. If a fire happens, where will they evacuate to? Do they have access to first aid supplies? What will they do if there is a power outage or severe weather warning? Ask yourself these questions and sit down with your children to explain the correct procedures. You might even make it into a quiz to help them remember everything.
