BY: MADISON VOOHIRES PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM A Guide to a Smart, Safe Summer at Home S chool’s out, the sun is high, and When School’s Out, Safety’s In: your kids are plotting the ultimate summer break. But between snack raids, screen time negotiations, and the lure of doing exactly what they’re not supposed to, summer break can raise big questions… especially when the kids are home alone.
No child should be home alone without a solid safety plan in place. Don’t just lecture—collaborate. Sit down and walk through “what-ifs” like: -Where are your boundaries if you want to play outside? -What if someone rings the doorbell? -What if there’s a storm or power outage? -What if you get hurt or scared? Post a list of emergency numbers on the fridge or anywhere your child will clearly have it in view.You can also create a “check-in” schedule, for a quick call or text. If your child has a phone, make sure they understand how to use it responsibly when you’re not there. 3. Trust Is a Two-Way Street You want to trust your child, but they need to trust you, too—especially when it comes to telling the truth or owning up to mistakes.That means keeping your cool when things go wrong. Spilled juice on the carpet? Door left unlocked?These are teachable moments, not courtroom dramas. Try these trust-building exercises: • Decision Days: Let your child plan their own afternoon: snacks, activities, and screen time limits.Then talk about how it went. • Emergency Role-Play: Act out “what would you do if…” scenarios with stuffed animals, action figures, or siblings. • Small Projects: Give them a challenge while you’re out, like emptying the dishwasher or folding laundry. 4. Keep Boredom (and Mischief) at Bay Here’s the truth: kids don’t get into
trouble because they’re bad; they get into trouble because they’re bored. Help them structure their solo time with a mix of activities that are safe, fun, and maybe even sneak in some learning. • Cincinnati Library Summer Reading: From June 1 to July 31, kids and teens can join the CHPL Summer Reading program. Sign up at any branch to earn a free book, complete reading and activity challenges, and win cool prizes like pop fidget wristbands and color- changing cups. • Cincinnati Zoo Home Safari Archive: The Cincinnati Zoo’sYouTube channel hosts dozens of on-demand Home Safari videos. Kids can meet animals like Fiona the hippo, learn fun facts from zookeepers, and try out the companion activities, like drawing prompts, scavenger hunts, and mini science experiments all from the comfort of home. • Crafts & DIY Projects: Stock up on easy, no-fuss ideas.Think homemade slime, friendship bracelets, or even DIY bird feeders. • Neighborhood Nature Walks: Create a scavenger hunt for them to complete. Final Words Let’s be real: no plan is perfect, and no child is mistake-proof. But with preparation, communication, and a dash of trust, you can give your kids the tools to thrive when you’re not home— without turning your house into Home Alone 7. As summer begins, take a deep breath.You’ve raised a capable kid, and this year, you’re both about to level up.
If your child is in that in-between stage (old enough to stay home for a few hours but still learning the ropes of responsibility), you’re not alone. But with the right approach, summer can become a time for kids to build confidence, grow independence, and earn your trust, without burning the house down! 1. Know When They’re Ready First things first: how do you know if your child is ready to stay home alone? Ohio doesn’t have a legal minimum age, but most experts agree that kids younger than 10 aren’t developmentally prepared to handle emergencies on their own. But age isn’t the only factor; it’s about maturity, not just milestones. Ask yourself: -Do they follow rules without reminders? -Can they handle basic tasks like locking doors and answering the phone? -Would they know what to do in an emergency? If you’re unsure, do a few “test runs” by leaving them home alone for 30 minutes while you run errands.These practice sessions are like training wheels for solo time.
2. Build a Safety Plan Together
18 JUNE 2025 | CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM
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