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Home Alone

When and How?

By Elizabeth Pantley

Check for laws in your area that govern unsupervised children. You don't want to put your family in an unlawful position.

Okay, I went through your checklist and I think my children are ready to be home alone for short periods of time. I'm wondering how to make this a successful endeavor.

Letting children stay home alone is a big step for everyone in your family. It gives your children a new level of responsibility and it gives the parent a new found, long-awaited, much deserved, eagerly anticipated, exuberant feeling of freedom. (Oh, did I get carried away there?) I know it sounds liberating, but don't rush into this big change. Take your time to plan and prepare for success.

With your children's help, create a list of rules that will apply when they're home alone. Include specific "do's" such as homework, chores, etc, and "don'ts" such as answer the door, use the stove, or tie up younger siblings. Include a list of acceptable activities, specify the amount of TV they can watch, and what foods they can eat. The more you think ahead and cover possible issues up front, the less likely you 'll have to deal with a problem later on.

Provide your children with emergency training. Many hospitals, YMCAs or schols offer classes for children who want to baby-sit. These are a good option, as they typically cover all standard emergency procedures. Have all