Parent Resources
Six Ways to Protect Your Latchkey Kids
By Steve Cross, President, Guardian Software Inc.
As a parent, you’d probably rather not leave your kids home alone, but when both parents are working, there are times when it can’t be avoided. In a hectic household, work, school, extra-curricular activities, daycare, occasional babysitting problems, and the “unexpected” all conspire to upset schedules and make leaving the kids on their own the only option you’ve got. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to both protect your kids and give them guidance — even when you can’t be there.
- Set clear-cut rules. Sit down with your kids, discuss the rules, and write them down. Post the rules in plain view. The written list will help forestall youthful memory lapses. If you don’t want them near the gas stove, write it down. If they need to leave the sharp kitchen knives and dad’s tools alone, write it down.
- Talk to them. Review the rules occasionally to reinforce awareness and to engage your kids by getting their feedback. Also talk about personal security. Remind them to lock the doors. Make sure they know not to let anyone in when you’re not there, except people you have already approved.
- Show them how to use 911. Make sure they understand when to use it, and make sure they know it’s not a joke.
- If you have firearms in the house, place them in a gun safe, not under a mattress, in a cupboard, or in a closet. Install trigger locks. You have a legal, ethical, and moral responsibility to secure your firearms. The same applies to fireworks.
- Give your kids emergency contact numbers for responsible friends or neighbors they can call if you aren’t available or can’t get home fast enough.
- Make sure your kids also understand Internet security. When you aren’t there, the rules for interacting with strangers apply to their online activities, too.