Have you ever left your kid alone at home? Whether you like it or not, there will come a time when due to work or some emergency, you will have to leave your kid all by themselves at home.
The best way to actually prepare for this, is by leaving your child at home for a little time, such as for 15-20 minutes when you need to fetch something urgent from the market, though probably in this tech savvy time, the arrival of such circumstances can be prevented by getting things delivered at home online.
Still, you never know when you might need to leave your kid alone at home for a couple of hours, so it’s best to prepare them on how to handle this situation.
This can help them to not feel too dependent on you and to manage things by themselves while you are away.
In fact, child psychologists believe that when done rightly, this experience can help your kid be more independent, responsible and confident.
Check out these important points to prepare your child before you leave them at home:
1. Emergency contact numbers
Even though your little kid might have a mobile phone with contacts saved in them, it is still advisable that you make them memorise at least 2-3 emergency contact numbers. This can include the phone numbers of the parents, a close relative and a trusted neighbour. You can also keep a list of these contacts in a diary at home, just in case required. Check-in with your kid by calling them to make sure they are doing ok, and update them with when you’ll be back.
You can also ask a friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your child if possible.
2. Screen time rules
When left without any adult supervision, your kid may end up spending the entire day watching TV, playing video games or using the internet. It is important you get a bit strict about screen time and make your child understand why it is important for them to adhere to these rules.
You may allow them some extra screen time now and then, but not the entire day. Give them some little household chores such as folding clothes, while you are away, to keep them busy and productive. You can also keep them busy with art supplies or puzzle games so that they are not too drawn towards the screen.
3. Safety first
An unprepared kid can cause trouble at home when left alone, and may even end up hurting themselves. If your kid has a history of experimenting with matchsticks or stove, it might not be a good idea to leave them by themselves.
In any case, it is important to teach your kid how to handle basic kitchen equipment and NOT to try the stove, matchsticks or any other sharp objects in the kitchen such as knives without your permission. Things that could be hurtful are best to be kept locked away and out of your kid’s reach and knowledge. Also make sure you have a basic first aid kit at home and your child knows how to use them. Have flashlights also in case of a power cut.
4. Stock up food supplies
Your child may not worry about food when you are around at home to answer them whenever they come announcing “I’m hungry!”
But when left alone, your child may become overwhelmed when feeling hungry. To avoid a hunger-confusion meltdown, it’s best to prepare meals for them in advance which they can eat whenever they feel hungry, In fact, if you prepare nutritious meals and instruct them to finish the food before you are back, your kid might have to cancel their eat-all-chips-and-ice-cream-available plan.
5. “Open the door only when…”
Make it a habit that your child does not open the door without seeing first who is outside and why they are here. Opening the door for strangers is a strict no-no. Kids are gullible and when distracted with their favourite cartoon, they might not pay enough attention to shutting the door properly. It is important you tell them clearly to pay attention to these safety instructions. Let the child know beforehand if anyone is expected to visit the house. These habits should also be inculcated on a routine basis. Make sure you tell your child when you’ll be back home.
