March 14, 2022 - Spring break at home can be fun and relaxing as well as risky for kids staying home alone. However, there’s no need to be anxious about having to leave your kids at home. There are steps you can take to help ensure spring break is all about taking a break for all the right reasons.
Parents looking to make spring break both fun and safe for their kid at home begins with planning. Plan for not only fun, but safe activities in a secure setting to keep your kids safe and sound. Utilizing a plan can also provide a structured week that can benefit both you and your kids. These simple preventive measures will go a long way in making a successful spring break.
Setting ground rules is a key first step in establishing a plan. Make sure your kids understand what is expected of them as well as what they can use in the house regarding appliances. Make sure that dangerous items are made inaccessible. This includes firearms, poisonous or flammable materials, prescription medication, and alcohol. Secure these items behind locked doors and fully inaccessible to children.
In addition, home security is an additional layer of protection for kids who are home alone. The home security includes making sure all locks on doors and windows are functioning properly and your kids know that they are to remain locked. Utilizing these simple measures will go a long way in easing your concerns.
You can also provide your child with emergency-based resources. Make sure your child has emergency contacts programmed into their phone, which can also include a trusted neighbor or friend as well as the numbers for first responders. Remind them of the importance of calling 911 if the emergency is serious. Don’t forget about placing a first aid kit in an easy to access location.
There are many things you can do to keep your kids safe at home during spring break, but don’t forget to make it fun. Include in your plan a way to keep the kids active and interested. This will provide stability for their time away from school, so they are in a similar routine as well. Above all, set aside time to spend with your kids after work to enjoy some family fun.
