- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- dads today articles
- dads today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home Alone
When and How?
By Elizabeth Pantley
your children take the training, not just the oldest one. Make certain there is a list of important telephone numbers near the phone in an easy-to-find location (not buried under a pile of old mail). Write the main emergency number on the telephone itself. (I've heard of adults who forget the sequence of 9-1-1 when faced with an emergency situation.) If your city does not have a 9-1-1 system that provides your address upon calling, make sure your address and driving directions to your home are also written on the emergency pad. Provide your children with the telephone number of an adult you know and trust who is close by, particularly if you're quite a distance away from home.
Plan ahead:
Discuss or role-play various situations that my come up. Ask "What would you do if?" questions to be certain your children are prepared. A few examples of those situations you would want to review would be: - What if you lose your house key?
- What if someone comes to the door?
- What if you're hungry?
- What if you need help on your homework?
- What if Dad's not home exactly at 5:00?
- How will you answer the phone?
- When would it be okay to call me at work?
Who's in charge?
If you have more than one child, decide in advance if one of them is "in charge" or if they hold equal responsibility. Clearly identify the rules that will apply. Decide how arguments will be resolved in your absence.