Preparing Your Child for Self-Supervision: A Guide for Parents

As parents, we inevitably face the moment when our children must be responsible for themselves without an adult’s supervision. Preparing them for these situations is crucial, not just for their safety but also for your peace of mind. Here are essential tips to ensure your child knows how to handle being alone, whether at home or on their way to and from school.

Essential Contact Information and Emergency Preparedness

It’s vital that children know key information and how to act in emergencies. They should be familiar with:

• Their own address and phone number.
• Your full name and contact details.
• Your workplace’s name and contact number.
• Another trusted adult’s contact number.
• When and how to dial 911.

In case of medical conditions like diabetes or asthma, children should be aware of these and know to mention them in emergencies.

Safekeeping House Keys

Children carrying a copy of the apartment key should have it attached securely, like with a safety pin or key ring, and kept out of sight. If the key is lost, they should know the protocol to contact you, such as visiting a nearby neighbor or the community office.

Travel Safety: To and From School

• Plan Safe Routes: Establish the most direct walking or biking routes to school, emphasizing the use of crosswalks and obedience to traffic signals. For biking, ensure they have appropriate safety gear and understand to walk their bike across crosswalks.
• Avoid Solitude: Children should avoid walking or biking alone. Encourage walking with siblings, friends, or neighbors.
• Stick to the Plan: Children must adhere to the designated route and resist taking shortcuts or alternate routes suggested by peers.
• Stranger Awareness: Teach them not to engage with strangers, accept rides, or gifts.
• Responding to Security Breaches: If they return to an open door or broken window at home, they should not enter but instead go to a prearranged neighbor’s apartment or the community office.
• Regular Check-ins: Ensure your child has a routine for checking in with you or a designated neighbor, and knows to inform you if they’ll be late.

Home Alone Safety Guidelines

• Fire Emergency: Know the protocol for exiting the house in case of fire and informing others.
• Emergency Calls: Understanding when to call 911 is critical.
• Phone Safety: Teach them how to answer the phone without revealing they are alone.
• Securing the Home: Ensuring all doors and windows are locked is key for their safety.

By equipping your child with these safety skills and knowledge, you empower them to act sensibly and responsibly, giving you confidence and reassurance when they are out of your sight.