No one wants to leave their child home alone, but this is a reality in our world today. I was a latch-key kid and chances are that you were too.

But the world has changed since you and I were kids. Not that we were totally safe when we were alone at home, it’s just that now our children have even more possibilities to get hurt or get into trouble.

So now it’s our turn to feel anxious, frustrated, and maybe a little frightened at the thought of our children being home for a few long unmonitored hours. A lot can happen in just a few hours.

Not having any real alternatives to the latch-key situation, what can you do? First:

* Make sure your children are ready to care for themselves.

* Teach them basic safety rules.

* Know where your kids are, what they are doing, and who they are with.

Be extra sure that your children are ready. Can your children:

* Be trusted to go straight home after school?

* Easily use the telephone, locks, and kitchen appliances?

* Follow rules and instructions well?

* Handle unexpected situations without panicking?

* Stay home alone without being afraid?

Talk it over with them; listen to their worries and ideas. Work out clear rules on having friends over, chores, homework, and television.

Remember, staying at home alone can build a child’s self esteem, sense of responsibility, and practical skills.

Be sure and teach your children:

* How to call 9-1-1 or your area’s emergency number, or call the operator.

* How to give directions to your house in case of an emergency.

* To check in with you or a neighbor immediately after arriving home.

* To never accept gifts or rides from people that they don’t know well.

* How to use the door, windows, locks, and the alarm system.

* To never let anyone into the home without your permission.

* To never let anyone — on the phone or at the door — know that they’re alone.

* To carry a house key with them — never leave a key outside to be found by just anybody.

* How to escape in a fire.

* To not go into the home if things don’t look right — a torn screen, broken window, or an opened door.

* To let you know about anything that frightens them or makes them feel uncomfortable.

Still doubtful?

Unfortunately, it is true that children sometimes don’t do what we want or expect of them. And there is always peer pressure to think about — even if your children are obedient, what happens when the perceived cool kids barge in because they know that there is no adult at home?

If you have any concerns that things may not be as you would want when you’re not at home, there is a foolproof solution: a wireless surveillance system.

You can actually turn your home or office computer into a powerful, global-wide surveillance system in minutes. When away you can monitor a part or all of your home, all you need is a computer with internet access. You can place wireless cameras anywhere you want to in your home and move them as often as you like.

A wireless system has many benefits.

Topping the list — Your children’s safety. If your child is injured, or there is an unexpected intruder, or any other serious problem, you can call 9-1-1 and have someone there quickly.

Next — Assurance for your child and yourself. As your child approaches their empty home they will have the comfort of knowing that you are watching with the wireless surveillance system. It’s almost as good as having you there. If privacy is an issue then you don’t have to put a wireless camera in their bedroom or any place you agree on. Obviously, all exits from your home should be monitored. You will find it comforting to know that your child is safe at all times and if not, you can take immediate action to correct it.

And one more benefit — Peace of mind. With the wireless surveillance system you can check on your home any time and know that your home is secure from burglars and intruders…even when your family is in Italy on vacation. In fact you can monitor it around the clock from any place in the world if you have an internet connection.

If you have a home alone child, acquiring a wireless surveillance system is not an investment in a system — it’s an investment in your child.
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