Home alone: is this your child?

Sooner or later parents have to leave the child at home alone. Take such a decision is not easy, because nobody knows exactly at what point the child is ready for such responsibility. His maturity from this point of view is determined by many things, so the decision should be based on comprehensive assessment. Equally important is the maturity of the older child, if you're going to leave him alone with the baby. The following questions will help you assess the independence of the child and make the right decision:

1. Can a child to repeat by heart home phone number and address? Whether he knows how to dial a phone number? Can answer phone call?

2. Can a child without leading questions to tell about the day? In the state whether it thoroughly and clearly describe what he was doing in school?

3. Does the child to stay alone at home? Not too shy he? Not afraid of a noise or dark?

4. Does the child how to behave with strangers, and in a situation when someone rings the doorbell?

5. Does the child what to do in case of fire?

6. Is the child first aid? Does he know what to do with nosebleeds, burns, bruises, cuts?

7. Have had seizures or heart attacks, leading to loss of consciousness?

8. Does the child how to call an ambulance? What has to say?

9. Does the child the basic rules of behavior at home? For example, if he knows that you can not touch a match, that there are places where it is forbidden to approach, etc.

10. Can the child and wants to follow the rules? In due time he performs the work at home and school assignments?

11. How mature a child thinks when he is given the opportunity to take an independent decision? Can I trust him the keys to the house? Can the child find a meaningful occupation, if they are no leads?

12. Are you sure that the children that you leave the house together, do not quarrel? Are they able to solve their own conflicts? How do they cope with the problems before? Is it necessary for the intervention of parents in this situation?

If you answered yes to most questions, your child is likely to be sufficiently prepared to stay home alone. Negative answers do not mean that he is slavish. This is just a signal that it should discuss with your child before you leave it unattended.

At first, better to leave the child briefly (15-30 minutes). Make sure he understands where you're located. Write down all your contact numbers and addresses, and just tell me how long you will be absent. If you are late, tell the child.

Leave the child to telephone the person with whom he can communicate in an emergency, if you do not find you. Warn the person about a possible call. All phone numbers and contacts should be prominently displayed.

This is not all you need to understand to assess the maturity and independence of their child. Here we are told only about the main points on which to focus, to make the right decision.
Rx Louisiana