Begin to teach a child to independence ...

You - a working mom, which has a huge pile of worries: the office and home, and cleaning ... And all by herself? Grandma's not around, and babysitting services today are very expensive? What to do? After all, the child of 10-12 years, you have not already left one. In this case, you need to teach it to yourself!

This age is already fully designed for the child to some time spent without adult supervision. Of course, you can give it to the extended school day at school, but not many of the children agree to extra hours at school, where they spend so much time. But when classes end, there is no one to take him out of school? Option One: ask for someone's grandmother or mother who come to school to pick up their child, and hold your baby home. Of course, it is possible if their family lives next door. Suppose they will bring the child to the door and make sure that he shut her inside.
But if no one can do it, then analyze the way home from school. Remember, if there is a roadway, intersections, dark alleys, vacant lots ... If the road from the school of simple and short, it is quite possible to teach a child to return home alone. This is especially true of small towns where the level of risk is much lower than in metropolitan areas. But before you allow your child to go back on their own, it is necessary to hold a serious conversation with him and give detailed instructions on how to behave. Better if the students will have two or three.
With regard to behavior on the street. Be sure to warn his son or daughter of roads and pedestrian crossings. At the weekend several times go to school together. On the way explained in detail the child how to behave: what you need only cross the road on a green light, and only through a pedestrian crossing. Important that the child on the road has never talked to strangers, and in no case stay the way home: neither the park nor the interior courtyards. It should not take anything from strangers. Explain that people often are not those who are behind they are.
Now all children have mobile phones, so you will just monitor the child's return. Let it always calls you when out of school and when it entered the apartment. And may never leave unattended house keys, a jacket or briefcase, where they can lie.
By the way, at the entrance staircase child must look, not whether someone behind him. And in any case is not included in the elevator, if there is someone there (unless, of course, this is not the neighbor's grandmother, you know for many years). If a stranger behaving compulsively, tell your child that he was shouting loudly and not afraid to call for help.
Home Alone. Need to negotiate with the child, that he did not invite home in your absence less familiar buddies. Of course, fellow classmates, with whom he befriends a long time, not banned, but now with the new friends you'd better see you and myself. You know that sometimes it's better perebdet than nedobdet. Sometimes a child meets a cheerful and brave, which may be the most criminal thoughts in my head. Therefore, warn the child that he never told no one about what you have at home, do not boast technology, money, etc. While simultaneously reporting that the day you are never home. Believe me, many robberies are carried out because of careless frankness. Therefore, explain and negotiate with a son or daughter that things your family to anyone he should not open because it is your military secret.
If the apartment doorbell rang, then teach the child to anyone not to open. Explain to him that their have their own keys. And let the rest come when you'll be at home. If suddenly someone trying to break into the apartment, he should immediately call the police and you. Leave a list of emergency phone numbers prominently displayed.
Tell your child that never by phone or through the door can not say that he is now alone. Let go about their chores and homework. And besides, let mom helps, then there will wash dishes, do cleaning as best. Together with independence, and accustom the child to help you at home. Believe me, every child will be happy to independence and your confidence. Just explain to him how to avoid danger.