Is your child ready to stay home alone?

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOTV) - There comes an age when kids no longer want a babysitter, but how do you know if your child is ready to stay home alone? One of the biggest things that parents need to do before leaving their children home alone is put a plan in place to ensure their child's safety.

Parents need to do the following:

• Review how door and window locks work.
• Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are properly installed and working. Have a fire escape plan and practice it with your child.
• Assemble a first aid kit with your child’s help and make sure your child knows how to use it.
• Prepare a list of important telephone numbers and post it near the phone.
• Establish family rules and write them down addressing phone use, having friends over, cooking, homework and television.
• Parents should leave a personal note for child and include a favorite snack. This ensures the child comfort and provides a connection with you until you get home.
• Look into before and after school care for your child. Mix home alone days with daycare days to give your child a variety of responsibility and social interaction.

If you are contemplating letting your child stay home alone for the first time, The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids offers classes to prepare your child for that next step. Safe On My Own helps kids gain confidence and learn the skills they need to safely stay home on their own. The course addresses tips for answering the phone or the door, how to cook safely, what to do during severe weather, first aid and safety precautions and more.

For more information about the classes and how to sign up visit www.grymca.org.