How I Prepared My Young Children to Stay Home Alone

 

 

home alone, kids, staying at home, child, children, prepare

This past summer, I faced a tough situation I wasn’t prepared for – leaving my three children home alone.

Due to the lack of affordability of childcare, I spent seven years as a stay-at-home mom. I had always planned to begin substitute teaching once my youngest child entered kindergarten because it’s such a flexible job. I stuck to that plan during the 2017-2018 school year. I only accepted substitute jobs with hours that allowed my husband and I to continue taking our kids to school and picking them up. Towards the end of the school year, I knew that I would not continue substituting. I absolutely adore children and everyone who knows me knows I’m great with kids, however, I wanted a position that utilizes my Associate’s degree in some way and involves fewer children so I began searching for a new job.

When I started my current position at a local hospital over the summer we made affordable childcare arrangements with a relative who runs a childcare business out of her home, however, there was a slight issue- her home is nearly 25 minutes from my home and 20 minutes from my job. I quickly grew agitated with the commute and increasing fuel costs for my vehicle. Paying full-priced childcare prices for my three children was out of the question, and my budget so the next option to consider was leaving big sis (my then 11-year-old daughter) with the responsibility of caring for her younger brothers, ages 9 and 6 at the time, while my husband and I were at work.

I’m kind of a helicopter parent, and it’s hard to get me to agree to certain things. My kids have never ridden a school bus until this school year and that took some convincing from my husband, mother, and second, third, and so on, opinions from my Facebook community. My husband and I went back and forth about the idea before I finally decided to give it a try and I’m actually glad I did. My goal was to prepare my children for the new transition by encouraging and educating them as much as possible without overwhelming them.

Due to my part-time job status, my children didn’t have to spend full 8-9 hour days at home without my husband or myself, however, I understand that many parents work full-time and for one reason or another have no other choices except to leave their child or children home by themselves.

Whether working part-time or full-time, if you’re planning on leaving your child(ren) home alone here are some helpful tips my family abides by to help ease everyone’s mind while my husband and I are away:

  • First, check your state’s laws regarding the age children are allowed to be left home alone.
  • Make sure your children know their home address and parents’ phone numbers.
  • Have a list of important phone numbers that are easily accessible (e.g. on the refrigerator) including phone numbers to neighbors you trust.
  • Let them know which neighbors home to go to in emergency situations.
  • Show your kids where the fire extinguisher is located and how to use it.
  • Demonstrate to your kids how to open and close every window in the home in case they need to exit through one in an emergency situation.
  • Give specific rules on what they are allowed to do and what they aren’t allowed to do (e.g. don’t open the door for ANYONE).
  • Teach them what to do if they think someone is trying to break into the home.
  • Plan out breakfast and lunches that don’t require the use of a stove/oven, microwave or sharp objects.
  • If your child has a phone, instruct them to keep the phone nearby.
  • Purchase a Ring Video Doorbell and/or Security Cam and make sure the notifications are turned on for the app on your phone.
  • I allow my children to watch TV and play on their portable handheld gaming devices to keep them occupied. It also lowers the possibility of any arguments if they keep to themselves.
  • Last, but not least: remind yourself to RELAX. Be optimistic and plan properly. If you worry like me, you need this tip.

Since this school year begun my work schedule allows me to get my kids on and off the bus every day. They usually text me while they’re on the bus heading home. One day a week, our district releases the kids from school early and my daughter makes it home before me. She calls or texts me once she’s safely in the house. On the days they’re out of school, they stay home alone.

So far, besides the occasional call that my sons won’t stop annoying my daughter, we haven’t had any issues. My daughter has shown a level of maturity and responsibility I didn’t know she had until I allowed her and her brothers to stay home alone.

I believe it’s important to understand that all children are different. It’s imperative that we gauge our child’s level of understanding and maturity as well as their ability to handle responsibility before deciding to leave them home alone. Would I leave my 7-year-old with my 9-year-old home alone? Absolutely not. It’s a difficult decision to make, especially when we aren’t sure if our child can handle staying home without a responsible adult, however, at a reasonable (and legal) age and with proper preparation, it can be a secure and successful experience.

Britney
I’m Britney! I was born and raised in Kansas City, MO. My husband and I have three children. Two years ago we adopted our first fur baby, a handsome black lab. My active family loves spending time outdoors and going on road trips. After being a stay-at-home mom for 7 years I decided to rejoin the workforce part-time. I absolutely love being able to express myself creatively and over the years have become a serial hobbyist. My hobbies include photography, graphic design, DIY, blogging, creating YouTube videos, and reading too many interior design blogs. If binge-watching shows on Netflix is a hobby, add that to the list.