To pass the “Home Alone” test, your kid needs three things: basic common sense, the ability to operate a phone, and a working fear of strangers. If they still try to put a fork in a toaster, you have more time to wait.
Chart helps parents figure out when to leave kids home alone | fox61.com
You also need a rock-solid rule about the front door. My sister’s kid once opened the door for a UPS driver and demanded to see his “package identification.” The driver was more confused than scared. That is the kind of awkward confidence that can get a child in trouble.
The “Why Are You Calling Me?” Phase
Your first trial run should be short. I’m talking “I’m running to the grocery store for milk and a bag of shame” short. You will get texts. So many texts. “The cat looked at me funny.” “Can I eat the blue cookie?” “I think I heard a ghost in the basement.”
This is normal. They are testing the tether. Resist the urge to race home. Just reply, “No, you cannot eat the blue cookie, it’s detergent,” and keep driving. They will eventually get bored of texting and fall asleep on the floor. This is a win.
