What basic house rules should I set before leaving my child home alone?
ANSWER
efore you leave for the first time, establish a few basic house rules that cover different situations:
- What to do if the doorbell rings
- What to do if the phone rings
- Whether it's OK to have friends over, and if so, how many friends can come over
- What kinds of snacks they can eat
- Time limits on watching TV or playing computer or video games, and a list of approved programs and games.
From: Is Your Preteen Ready to Stay Home Alone or to Watch Younger Siblings? WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by Renee A. Alli on October 20, 2018
SOURCES:
KidsHealth: "Leaving Your Child Home Alone" and "When Can I Stay Home Alone in the Daytime?"
American Academy of Pediatrics.
University of Michigan Health System: "Babysitter Safety -- What Parents and Sitters Need to Know."
Child Welfare Information Gateway: "Leaving Your Child Home Alone."
SOURCES:
KidsHealth: "Leaving Your Child Home Alone" and "When Can I Stay Home Alone in the Daytime?"
American Academy of Pediatrics.
University of Michigan Health System: "Babysitter Safety -- What Parents and Sitters Need to Know."
Child Welfare Information Gateway: "Leaving Your Child Home Alone."
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.