Latchkey Safety

Is My Child Ready to be Home Alone?

• Latchkey Readiness: Here are some questions you'll need to answer before deciding to leave your child ome alone.

Place On or Near the Telephone

• home phone number, address, and specific directions to your house in case your child (or a baby-sitter) needs to call 911
• your work number(s)
• a trusted neighbor's or nearby family member's phone number and address
• Phone A Friend at Headquarters (865-2600 or 888-211-5333 from Baldwin City)

Answering the Phone in Your Absence

• "Hello" is better than "Smith residence, Susie speaking," which gives more information than is safe.
• The child should say something like, "My parents are busy right now. Can I take a message?"
• The safest message for an answering machine is, "We can't come to the phone right now; please leave a message."

Responding to Someone at the Door

• A good rule for most kids home alone is not to answer the door at all.
• It's best to have a peephole, and a chain and deadbolt lock are also a good idea.
• No one should be let in unless they have been approved by a parent—relatives or friends that you feel comfortable with, or emergency personnel with identification.

A Simple First Aid Kit

Include Band-Aids, gauze, bandages, scissors, adhesive tape, antibiotic cream and tweezers. You should also have antibacterial soap, in case your child gets a cut or scrape.

Working Important Household Items

• circuit breaker
• water shutoff valves
• a working flashlight, which should be readily available (and the child should be encouraged to get it out at the first signs of bad weather)

Knowing What to Do

• show them what to do and where to go in case of a tornado or severe storm
• emergency fire procedures, from a skillet fire (cover with lid or douse with baking soda) to a fire that requires them to leave the house
• where to go if they have to leave the house for an emergency, such as a fire or gas leak
• make sure they know what a gas leak smells like
• make sure your child knows a safe route to walk to and from school
• tell your child to keep the house key in a safe place and out of sight (such as in a backpack) and make sure s/he knows how to use it

Latchkey Essentials

• speak to your child by phone every day after school
• make sure you have working smoke detectors that are regularly checked
• assign chores if necessary, and remember to express your appreciation
• leave on a radio or lights so your child doesn't come home to an dark, empty house
• remember the after-school snacks!
• review our article on staying home alone with your child.

Telephone	The telephone is the lifeline between working parents and their children. To reduce anxiety, have your child phone you as soon as s/he arrives home. Parents should call children periodically to check on them.
Time	It is helpful for parents to keep the amount of time their children spend alone each day to a minimum. Three hours daily pushes the limit of what most children can tolerate.
Emergency Procedures	Accidents are the main cause of death in children under 12. Teach your children basic first aid procedures and instruct them how to call for an ambulance or the fire department. Have a practice fire drill and make sure your home is equipped with working smoke detectors.
When Children are Sick	Sick children need continuous care and nurturing. Expecting a sick child to spend eight hours alone is unfair and can delay the child's recovery.
Neighbors	Helpful neighbors can be the key to a successful latchkey experience. They can assist children in emergencies and provide moral support. Parents should select neighbors they trust who are willing to help if needed, who are reasonably close by, and who are usually home during after-school hours.
Boredom	Boredom is often a problem among latchkey kids. Children need scheduled activities. The Boys and Girls Club in Lawrence is an excellent, affordable, year-round resource for children. Also, programs are offered during school breaks and on weekends by such organizations as Lawrence Arts Center, The Parks and Recreation Department, Lawrence Community Theater, and KU's Museum of Natural History.
Siblings	Parents with more than one child need to minimize conflict. Rules should be clearly established for phone and television usage, and for chores. Children under 10 should not be expected to watch younger siblings. Disciplinary problems should be handled when the parents return home.