Scenario

Your 10-year-old comes home from school at 3 pm, but you don't get home from work until 5 pm. He's at home alone for those two hours every weekday. What does he do until you arrive?

Most likely, he gets a snack or talks on the phone. Maybe he watches TV. But since you're not there, you worry. Just like the majority of American parents who work and have to leave their children on their own after school every day, you are anxious about your child's safety. But by following the safeguards, you can help ease some of this worry and take measures that will protect your kids even when you're not around.

What Can You Do?

• Know the three "W's":
  • Where your kids are.
  • What they're doing.
  • Who they're with.
• Make sure your children are old enough and mature enough to care for themselves.
• Teach them basic safety rules.