Rules for Staying Home Alone

Our 13-year-old daughter has begged us for years to let her stay home by herself after school instead of going to a neighbor's house. She has grown up fast over the summer, so we think she is ready for this big step. What rules should we establish ahead of time? -- Parents of a Latchkey Kid
Answer: The rules that you establish will be far more effective if you make them with your child. Begin with basic safety rules: (1) checking in with parents on arrival home, (2) never opening the door to a stranger, (3) keeping the house locked at all times, (4) establishing boundaries on where the child can go and if friends can visit, (4) deciding on which appliances can be used, (5) knowing how to respond to calls requesting a parent and (6) deciding when a situation requires a 911 call. Plus, it's wise to have a neighbor who can be called in case of an emergency.