Your parents went out and left you at home. Even though they live in a safe neighborhood, they are always very worried when they leave you alone. Here are some tips on how to earn your parents' trust and stay calm.
Steps
Step 1. Always keep the door locked and do not open if there is a knock or ring the bell
This is the most important thing to do to be safe. If you've made arrangements with your parents to open the door when they return, make sure it's theirs by looking out the window or peephole. This rule always applies, even when someone as important as the landlord is at the door. Here are other important rules to follow:
- Don't fall for the “I'm an undercover cop” trap. A plainclothes policeman will never come knocking on the door. If he is in uniform, you could make an exception to the rule.
- Establish a code word with yours. It could be the name of a relative, the title of a TV show, your favorite color. In this way, in the event that your parents should send someone to warn you in an emergency, they will say the code word to this person and you will know that you can safely open. When you ask for the code word, don't say "What's my favorite color?" (giving the clue that the code is a color). Instead, he asks, "What is the password?". This way you won't give any hints. Before opening, remember to call your parents to ask if they have sent someone in their place.
Step 2. Do not touch things they have told you that you cannot touch
For example:
- The medicine cabinet
- Sharp knives
- Matches / lighters
Step 3. Do not cook alone or without adult supervision
If you've been told you can do it, always follow the cooking instructions
Step 4. When it gets dark, turn on the lights outside the house, close the curtains and blinds
Lights and sounds are a deterrent to criminal activities, so if the outside of the house is well lit, they will think twice before doing something stupid.
Step 5. If someone suspicious is hanging around your house or in your neighborhood, don't go outside
If he does something illegal, like breaking into private property, breaking car windows, or breaking something like a fire hydrant, call the police! Even if you are not sure if they are doing something illegal, call anyway! Then report these things to your parents, whatever happens.
Step 6. Ask your parents if you can watch TV and what you can watch, if you can use the internet or chat with your friends, if you can go out to play or visit a friend who lives nearby, etc
Write the house rules on a piece of paper and hang it in the room where you spend most of your time.
Step 7. If the phone rings, check who is calling by looking at the incoming number
Did your parents tell you that you can answer when you are alone, or did they tell you to answer only to them? If you do not have the caller ID or do not recognize the number, do not answer. If your parents want to call you at a certain time to check that everything is okay, study with them a way by which you can recognize that it is theirs if you do not have the caller ID. Check that your phone has it, because almost all phones have it now.
Step 8. There is another way to be sure that yours is calling
Let the phone ring for two rings and then call back, so you can be sure it's them.
Step 9. If you call someone who wants to speak to one of your parents, don't say that you are alone or that they are not there
Just say, "Mom can't answer right now, do you want to leave a message?" (Say exactly like that, quickly. Don't think this is stupid!) If they insist, repeat that Mom is currently unavailable and hang up! If they call back, don't answer.
Step 10. Watch out for phone pranks
Has anyone at school thought about playing pranks on the phone? If they call you, don't answer, you know it's a joke!
Step 11. Don't spend money without your parents or someone over 18 knowing
Step 12. NEVER use your credit card, if you have one, or that of your parents, unless it is for something really urgent or to escape danger
Do not find excuses such as "It was an emergency, without that ice cream I could starve, that salad saved me" or "I had to buy that book because it was the last one", you would just show that you don't know how to manage money. Especially your money!
Advice
- If your house has many windows without shutters, go to a place where you can't be seen from outside.
- Remember, the goal is the most important line of defense. Always keep it locked.
- If you have a pet, especially if it is a dog, keep it close to you, it will make you feel safe.
- If someone is at the door and you don't know who it is, the best thing to do is not to answer.
Warnings
- Keep a phone near you in case you need to call an emergency number. Having a phone in a safe room or bathroom is a good idea in case you need to hide.
- Don't tell anyone you're home alone if you don't want someone to bother you. If you notice someone suspicious lurking outside the house, call your parents.
- Sometimes people come with the excuse of having to fix something. Don't act unwary. If anyone tries to break in with this excuse, call yours right away. However, it won't be a problem if you keep the door closed.
- Cooking, showering, etc. it's risky when you're alone.
- If something should happen that shouldn't have happened, such as if you tell someone that you are alone, if someone says that there is a party at your place and everyone is there, call your parents before doing anything. They will understand that you have called them for help and will not scold you.
