Bringing the Message Home — "Home Alone" Program Reaches Out to Classrooms Across South Broward
Important Tips to Keep Your Child Safe
- Avoid clothing and backpacks with your child's name on them — names make children easy prey for predators.
- Children should walk home with friends, if possible, and go directly home.
- Teach children NOT to go near a car if the driver calls to them.
- Teach children NEVER to get in a car with strangers.
- Children shouldn't let anyone in the house until they check with you first.
- Establish a "safe house" in your neighborhood where your children can go for help.
September 2003 — With the increasing number of double-income households and single-parent families, more and more children are left home alone everyday.
Nobody wants to leave their children unattended, but in many cases, it can't be avoided. In an effort to cut childcare costs — and with no family members available to help out — parents may give children the responsibility of taking care of themselves.
These children — often called "latchkey kids" — must understand their responsibility and know what to do in case of an emergency. What if a stranger approaches them on their walk home? Who should they call if they get sick or scared? Children who are prepared to handle emergencies will fare best in these situations.
Keeping Them Safe Alone
Committed to keeping our children safe, Memorial Healthcare System's "Home Alone — Safe Alone: After School Survival Program" reaches out to third-grade students in classrooms across South Broward County.
"Third-graders are at an age where parents may feel they are capable of taking care of themselves for short periods of time," says Jerilyn Grimm, Director of Community Relations for Memorial Healthcare System. "Our goal is to teach them important safety rules for their time alone."
The program is designed to help children develop competence and confidence about being on their own. By participating in the sessions, children are given the opportunity to share their feelings with children in similar situations. They are encouraged to keep open lines of communication with their parents about what they learn and how they feel.
According to Grimm, students learn safety tips concerning topics like walking home alone, stranger danger, how to answer the phone, how and when to call 911, as well as how to deal with fear and loneliness. The program provides each student with a magnetic wipe-off board with places for emergency numbers and addresses, house rules and chores. Parents receive a letter reviewing the program and highlights so they can reinforce the safety messages with their children.
"Helping children develop skills for being alone is very relevant today," says Grimm. "The US Census Bureau estimates that close to 2 million children in the United States are left at home alone everyday after school. Our program delivers valuable lessons on a focused level to children in our community."
Bringing the Lessons Home
Parents are encouraged to work with their neighborhood to establish a "safe house" where children can turn for help. Children need to know who to call if they are scared, and what to do if they are sick or injured.
Parents must communicate with children regarding responsibilities and expectations. Through a combined effort and open lines of communication, children will learn to be safe alone.
Are you interested in the "Home Alone — Safe Alone" program for your child? Ask your teacher or school representative to schedule a session at your school by contacting Memorial Healthcare System Community Relations at
(954) 276-5985.