Help children memorize family
names, address, and phone number. Putting the information to music or in a poem may help
them remember.
Arrange a telphone check-in
time for children after they return home.
With child's input, devise a
simple schedule for homework, chores, and play time. Post it on the refrigerator.
Discuss emergency procedures
and keep a list of emergency numbers by the phone. Have your child practice what to do in
the event of a fire or if you are delayed at work, school or weather conditions.
Investigate community
resources available to latchkey children, such as hotlines or "warmlines" and
special classes in self-care.
Show children how to lock
doors and windows. Teach them to recognize and take precautions against anything unusual
when they arrive home, such as a broken window or a door left slightly ajar.
Let children practice making
snacks under your supervision. Set guidelines for eating, using the stove and microwave,
and cleaning up when they're alone.
Discuss self-care arrangements
with children from time to time. Focus on positive aspects, but listen to their concerns.
If children seem overly fearful, consider other after-school care options.
Make sure a neighbor has an
extra key in case something happens to the childs key.
Post schedule with times for
phone check-in, doing homework, or chores, and playtime.
Have simple snacks on hand.
Keep items needed for homework
assignments in good supply--pencils, erasers, dictionary, and writing paper.
Tape first-aid information
inside the medicine cabinet along with bandages. Show your child how to wash a cut and
bandage it or put cool water on a burn.
Give children a household
emergency kit that includes a working flashlight and a battery operated transitior radio
so they can listen to instructions in case of power failure.
Post a list of emergency
numbers near each phone. The following list can serve as an example of the information you
should have available for your child.