As they edge closer to their secondary school years, many tweens will begin to spend small periods of time alone in the house. While they may seem capable and are keen to assert their independence, it’s important that they are still very vulnerable and precautions should be taken to ensure their safety.
Here are some tips to ensure your tween or teen has a smooth experience while they're unsupervised in the house.
The front door
80% of MummyPages mums have taught their children what to do if someone knocks at the front door when they’re home alone. While a person coming to the door could be as innocent as a close neighbour or a canvassing politician, it’s important for tweens and teens to be cautious when home alone. Instruct them to check who’s at the door through the window or a peephole. Be clear as to who they should and shouldn't answer the door to. Instead of saying they can open the door to anyone they know, take a second to see if there’s anyone you have reservations about and make this clear to your teen.
Fire
72% of MummyPages mums have taught their teens what to do if a fire breaks out. If a fire happens, a person’s natural reaction is to panic and this can be very dangerous. If you repeatedly cover elements of fire safety with your tween or teen, they have a much better chance of doing the right thing even if they do panic. Cover different scenarios, such as a grill fire or an electrical fire, so that they know how to react to different situations.
Accidents
Accidents do happen, especially when kids are involved, and 68% of MummyPages mums have covered what their teen should do if they or a sibling has a physical accident while unsupervised. Make sure your teen knows how to act and again, cover a few different scenarios. Give them clear instructions to follow in relation to the type or severity of the accident.
House rules
As well as outlining safety procedures with your teen, it’s also important to make any rules you have clear so your teen knows what is and isn’t acceptable. 66% of MummyPages mums said they wouldn’t allow their teens to use the kettle, have friends over, make food or use the internet while home alone.
The walk home
Many children are the first of the family in the house after school due to their parents’ work schedules. 41% of MummyPages mums say they get their children to ring them when they leave school and again when they reach their house if they’re going to be home alone. If your child has a significant journey home from school, it’s a good idea to get them to ring once they’re home safe.
