Whether you’re a working parent or a stay-at-home one, there always come times when you have to leave your kids on their own to get some work done. In such situations, it’s only natural that parents be concerned if their kids aren’t supervised properly as they might get themselves in trouble. And in all honesty, getting a babysitter in today’s economy is a bit tough.
The truth is, kids cannot be watched every second of the day, but there are measures that can still be taken to protect them when they are alone. If you’re looking for ways to protect your kids when they’re unsupervised, then keep reading!
Look Out for Allergies
Allergies are a huge medical issue most parents have to contend with. As such, you need to ensure that your kids accidentally get allergies when left unsupervised. Allergies can cause a wide variety of physical reactions, including acute breathing problems, irritation, rash, as well a wide range of other medical problems.
Common food materials that can cause allergies in kids include peanuts, shrimp, lobster, pecans, cashew nuts, walnuts, and milk. Then there are allergies caused by environments and surroundings like hay fever which is quite common. Children can also be allergic to pet furs, dust, and more.
There are a couple of ways you can prevent your kids from getting allergies. The first step you should take is to keep the food your kids are allergic to out of reach. If your kid has asthma or a dust allergy, ensure they don’t engage in outdoor sports where there’s a lot of dust and dirt. And last but not least, make sure they have their allergy medications handy when you’re not around.
Also Read: 5 Tips to Keep Spring Allergies at Bay
Dress for the Weather
When leaving your kids unsupervised, you should also make sure that they’re dressed appropriately for the weather; the last thing you want is to come back home only to find your kid down with a fever or cold because they were overdressed or underdressed. This principle not only applies when your kids are going outdoors without your supervision as well.
You need to ensure that your kid is dressed appropriately according to the weather, whether they’re indoors or outdoors. In the summer months, don’t dress them in heavy clothing or multiple layers of clothing as they can start sweating, which can lead to them catching a cold when the sweat dries down and vice versa during winter. When the weather is cold, make sure they have a jacket or overcoat.
Also Read: How to Stop Making Excuses and Take Responsibility
One of the most common accessories kids often breaks when left unsupervised is eyeglasses. If you’re tired of repeatedly buying new glasses for your kid, then the good news is that you can buy unbreakable kids’ prescription sunglasses. They tend to cost a bit more than regular eyeglasses, but their durability is well worth the price.
Follow the Rules
Another good way to ensure that your kids don’t get into mischief while you’re not around is to lay down some ground rules for them when you’re not around. Rewarding or punishing your kids for following or breaking these rules is a good way to ensure they’re on their best behavior when left unsupervised.
While you’re at it, don’t overdo things by being overgenerous with your rewards or too strict with your punishments. Try to find a balance between the two to achieve the best results.
Designate a Play Zone
If your kids are below ten, designating a play zone for them can be an excellent way to ensure they don’t get into any mischief around the house when left unsupervised, like playing around with electrical hazards. You can also play zones outdoors so that your kids can enjoy some fresh air without the risk of them getting lost or getting kidnapped.
If you’re designating a play zone for your kids indoors, a good way to ensure they stay in the particular zone is by ensuring they have all entertainment options in the same place. When designating one outdoors, set down ground rules like not talking to strangers, not leaving the boundaries of the house or courtyard, not running out on the street, etc.
Don’t Worry Too Much
No matter how much you want, there comes the point in life when you have to have faith in your kid to learn to look after themselves when you’re not around.
Worrying yourself sick when they’re left unsupervised won’t do you much good. So it’s best to take the necessary precautions and let them take care of themselves when you’re not around.
