A GUIDE FOR WORKING PARENTS
Many parents have school children who get out of school around 3:00 p.m., but they don't get off work until 5:00 p.m. or later. Children are left at home alone for these 2 or more hours, and it is natural to wonder what they are doing. Most likely, they watch television, eat a snack or talk on the phone. It is natural for parents to be anxious about their children's safety. By following the safeguards listed below, you can help ease some of the worry and take measures that will protect your kids even when you are not around.

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO?

  1. Make sure that your children are old enough and mature enough to care for themselves. In Oklahoma, there is no fixed age when a child can be left alone. Some are unable to take care of themselves even though they may be older than other children. A good rule of thumb includes the following considerations:
    • Are they alone or are they taking care of smaller children?
    • If they are taking care of other children, what are their ages and maturity levels?
    • How many of them are there? In other words, a 12 year old may be able to care for themselves if they are sufficiently mature. However, if they are asked to baby-sit for a couple of younger children, they may not be able to handle the situation adequately, especially if the younger children are much younger.
  2. Teach them the basic rules. These rules include:
    • If and how they will answer the telephone and answer questions from somebody they don't know.
    • When and if they will open the door if someone should knock.
    • Things they are forbidden to do without supervision.
    • Things that they must not use (stoves, heaters, etc.) without supervision.
    • Other things that you recognize could pose a danger to them, especially when they are not being supervised.
  3. Know the three "W's":
    • Where are your kids?
    • What are they doing?
    • Who are they with?

ARE YOUR CHILDREN READY TO BE LEFT ALONE? CAN THEY . . .

  1. Be trusted to go straight home after school?
  2. Easily use the telephone, locks, and kitchen appliances?
  3. Follow rules and instructions well?
  4. Handle unexpected situations without panicking?
  5. Stay alone without being afraid?

A WORD ABOUT CURIOSITY
Are there things you don't want your children to get into? Take the time to talk to them about the deadly consequences of guns, medicines, power tools, drugs, alcohol, cleaning products, and inhalants. If possible, make sure you keep these items in a secure place out of sight and locked up. Remember, even when your children have been properly taught, neighbor children can often influence your children to do something they know is not right. Many children have been killed by a weapon being handled by a neighbor child.

TEACH YOUR "HOME ALONE" CHILDREN
  1. To check in with you or a neighbor immediately after arriving home.
  2. How and when to call 9-1-1 for emergencies.
  3. How to give directions to your home, in case of emergencies.
  4. To never accept gifts or rides from people they don't know well.
  5. How to use the door and window locks, and the alarm system if you have one.
  6. To never let anyone into your home without asking your permission.
  7. To never let a caller at the door on the phone know that they are alone. Teach them to say, "My mother or father can't come to the phone (or door) right now."
  8. To carry a house key with them in a safe place (inside a shirt pocket or sock). Don't leave it under a mat or a ledge outside the house.
  9. How to escape in case of a fire.
  10. To not go into an empty house or apartment if things don't look right --- a broken window, ripped screen or open door.
  11. To let you know about anything that frightens them or makes them feel uncomfortable.

TAKE A STAND

  1. Work with schools, religious institutions, libraries, recreational and community centers, and local youth organizations to create programs that give younger children a place to go and something to do after school -- a homework "haven", with sports, crafts, classes, and tutoring.
  2. Join your Neighborhood Watch group and form a program that offers help to children in cases of emergencies or frightening situations.

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