Daily Tips for Families

Today's Tip for Families

03-21-2023

Prepare Before Leaving a Preteen Home Alone

Young children should never be left at home alone. Sometimes though, families must leave preteens home by themselves for short periods of time. Before you do, make sure your child is prepared to handle things that might happen.

Teach your child how to respond to an emergency. Review the steps your child should take to solve problems. Preparation helps kids feel more comfortable on those occasions when they have to be home alone.

Make sure that your child knows:

How to reach you during an emergency.
How and when to dial 911, and what information to give.
What to do if there’s a fire.
Who is allowed in your home if you are away.
What activities are off limits when you are not home.
How to handle phone calls.
If and when it is OK to be outside the home while you're gone.
What to do if someone is at the door.

Brought to you by:

Gwinnett County Public Schools