We’ve all had those days when our child has a holiday or finished school early and we weren’t able to stay back at home due to work or a prior commitment. Since I have three kids, 2 years apart from each other, I wouldn’t have to worry too much about leaving my kids alone because they would have each other for company. Also, my eldest daughter is as responsible as a teenager can get – she mothers me too sometimes, so I don’t have much to worry on most days!
However, there have been times when I’ve had to leave my boys by themselves or only my youngest one by himself. And it definitely isn’t the easiest thing to do. My sons are always up to something mischievous when they are together and can be very generous in inviting people home too. So, before leaving them home alone, I lay down a couple of rules and do a trial-run-of-sorts before letting them stay home alone for long.
Lay down a few basic rules
My sons, Eric and Aaron, are overtly friendly with neighbours, the milkman, security guards of neighbouring buildings, and every other person they meet on the way. While I find this endearing on most days, the thought of this gives me a mini heart attack when I’m at work.
So, here are a few rules I set with my kids before I leave them home alone:
- First and foremost, do not let any strangers into the house. Even if you know them or they say they have something important to do, do not invite them in.
- Using knives or any sharp objects whatsoever is a big no (I usually put away most of the sharp things when I head out).
- Do not try to explore your culinary skills when I’m away. (I make sure I prepare food and leave it on the dining table and inform them about it).
- Do not post anything on social media about being home alone. The phone is only for giving me a call or maybe playing a game or two.
- Do not leave the house unless there is an emergency.
I make it a point to repeat all the rules before I leave the house, lest they may forget or assume they’re old enough to go ahead with it.
Prep your child
Apart from the things they shouldn’t do, I also inform my kids about what they should do in case of emergencies. Also, leaving a child home alone after listing out a few rules may not work best with them. I would tell my daughter or my son that I will be gone for about 3 hours but surprise them in 1 hour to let them know that I won’t be gone for too long and will always be there in case of any trouble.
Knowing that their mom and dad are around and they will not have to face any danger by themselves will certainly bring them some kind of relief but they should be prepared in case they do have to. I have a couple of neighbours who they can reach out to in case they need help. In addition to that, they can call anyone on a list of phone numbers I leave for them.
Leaving your child home alone
When you are finally confident about leaving your little one at home and know he can handle difficult situations, that’s when you can leave your child home alone. I didn’t leave Eric home alone until he was about 12 years old and Aaron about 13 years old.
When I leave, I ask them to spend their time doing something that interests them like painting, watching TV, or playing online games. This keeps them distracted and doesn’t let them worry about having to spend time alone. I make it a point to call them at least once every hour to make sure they’re doing alright.
How did you prepare your child to leave him or her home alone? Do share your experiences and ideas for other moms!
