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By Harriette Halepis

Will your child arrive home from school before you do? Lots of kids today find their own way home from school – a scenario that’s unavoidable if both parents work late. While many kids are perfectly capable of arriving at home safely, it’s important to lay down some ground rules if your child will be at home alone.

1. Make sure to establish some kind of notification system with your child. When your child arrives at home after school, ask them to call you on your cell phone (or at your office) right away.

2. Walk though safety steps with your child while you are on the phone. Speak to your child as he or she moves around the house locking doors, checking windows, and looking around the house.

3. Tell your child to take the same route home from school every day. This way, you’ll know where to look if your child does not arrive home on time.

4. Do not let your child have friends over without your presence. Even if your child can be trusted, children can get into a lot of trouble when left unattended.

5. Know your child’s schedule. Parents often panic when a child does not arrive home on time (and rightly so), but sometimes this is the result of an organized after-school activity. Make sure that you know your child’s schedule to prevent panic!

6. Let your child know your schedule. If you aren’t going to be home when you said you would, call your child and let them know about your changed plans. This way, your child won’t have to worry when you don’t show up on time.

7. Provide your child with a GPS tracking device. A simple tracking device can ensure that your child arrive as home – and stays there – while you are away.

These simple rules should be established well before school begins. Sit down with your family, talk about the suggestions listed above, and come to terms that everyone understands. Some simple planning can ensure that your child is safe when home alone.