Things to consider while leaving your child alone at home - Parenting guideSubscribe

  Team Orom 2022-12-02 4 Min
               

Leaving your child alone at home can be perilous. As a parent, you must have an Eagle's eye. You may not know when your child will be in trouble. However, it's natural for parents to worry while leaving their children alone. It might scare you for some time, but it will also help your child to become independent and responsible. 

Whether you like it or not, there will be times when you might have to go out in urgency and you can't take your child with you. Eventually, you have to leave them alone at home. But before leaving them all alone at home, you must consider a few things. 

What is the right age to leave your child alone at home? 

Merely because leaving your child alone at home will boost their confidence doesn't mean you should leave your toddler alone at home. Below the age of 10 years, you shouldn't leave your child at home alone. Unaware of the awful consequences, your underage child might face terrifying situations. 

What are the top things you must consider while leaving your child alone at home?

1) Shorter time separation - As you begin leaving your child alone at home, do not start by leaving them alone for several hours. That is a big NO. Remember, your child is not used to being alone and may get paranoid. Set a routine, and take baby steps. Start with a 10-15-minute duration. Leave them alone for 10-15 minutes, then gradually increase the time. This way, they will know how to cope with being alone. 

2) Emergency dials - This is a MUST for all parents, whether you are present or not. No matter where you are going, and even if you are not going anywhere, you must have an emergency number written somewhere. Teach your kids about all the essential heroes who can save them from danger, such as firefighters, ambulances, police, etc. Write on a piece of paper or slate and hang it where your child can easily reach out. Let them know when to dial which number. Also, write your and your spouse's or any guardian's numbers. 

3) Stock up on goods - Even if you are not going out too long, keep snacks in front of your child so that they don't find any excuse to experiment with cooking or anything else that will potentially harm them.

4) Don't open the door until - Children are gullible and innocent; when they are engrossed in watching cartoons, they might not realize if the door is shut correctly or not. So, teach them how to shut the door properly and how to open the door. Also, teach them to open the door only after seeing from the keyhole; if they see the trusted person, they should only open the door. Unaware of the terrible intentions of people, children tend to open the doors to strangers easily.

5) Basic Safety - As a parent, finding your children near the stove or a blender is a nightmare. Before leaving them alone, hide all the sharp-edged things like knives, blenders, etc. Also, remember to turn off the main switch of your gas line, educate them not to lean over the balcony, not to ignite the fire, etc.

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Parenting