Latchkey Kids

6 Ways to Protect Your Latchkey Child

By Steve Cross

As a parent, you don't choose to have your kids at home alone, but sometimes the pressures of two parents working, school schedules and baby-sitting problems conspire to leave your kids home alone. But there are some very easy things you can do today to reduce the risk for your kids. Every parent can do these things.

Here are 6 ways to protect your latchkey kids.

1. Set some rules. Sit down and tell the kids what the rules are. Write them down. Then post the rules in plain view. Your kids will be more aware, and that's a good thing. If you don't want them near the gas stove, write it down. If they need to leave the sharp kitchen knives alone, write it down on the rules.

2. Talk to them. Sounds simple, doesn't it? Talk them through the rules. And talk to them 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 told them can come in.

3. Show them how to use 911. Make sure they understand when to use it. And make sure they know it's not a joke.

4. If you have firearms in the house, place them in a gun safe, not under a mattress or in a cupboard. You have a legal, ethical and moral responsibility to secure your firearms. The same applies to fireworks.

Want to see more?

• Living as a Latchkey Kid
• Home Alone: Is Your Preteen Ready?
• Home Alone: Preventing War Between Siblings
• Check out our Article Library.
• Talk about it!