Home Alone?

Summer is quickly approaching and you may be tempted to leave older children at home while you run a quick errand. You may even be tempted to leave an older child in charge of younger siblings. The Cobb County Department of Family and Children's Services quotes the Georgia State policy on child supervision as the following:  "State policy states that children ages 13 and above can act as baby sitters for other children. Children the ages of 9-12 can occasionally be left unsupervised for brief periods of time. Children 8 years old and younger should never be left alone. Of course, a specific child's immaturity and behavior may necessitate adult supervision."  Should you choose to leave an older child at home, please remember that the home is the number one site of accidents to children. Other dangers include break-ins, fires, and chemicals! Additionally, if you have not taught your older child what to do when a phone call or knock on the door occurs in your absence, now is the time! Home is a place where children need to feel protected and secure.