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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We want to prepare our 12-YO to stay home alone for a few hours.  Aside from going over: emergency and cell numbers, which neighbors to go to, not to use the stove, and not to open the door, is there anything we're forgetting?

Also, what is the current thinking on what she should say if someone comes to the door?  In our neighborhood we get lots of solicitors.  Is she supposed to say something like "Sorry, I can't open the door, go away" or alternatively is she supposed to pretend that an adult is there and say something like "my mom isn't available, go away"?  (Our front door has a small safety-glass window that can be talked through.)

Thanks in advance for any help!
[/quote]

Op id try to make it LESS of a big deal than what you might think it is. Due to my ds' stubbornness, he was home alone for the first time when he was 8 (almost 9) because he refused to leave the house with me when I needed to drop DH off somewhere so he wouldn't be late. Fortunately, we'd had a few discussions about being home alone before this happened (otherwise I'd have carried him out the door when he refused to come with us), so he kind of knew what to expect.

Our rules are that he stays inside the house, doesn't open the door, and he's only allowed to get drinks or snacks that don't need to be cooked or anything. The first few times he was home alone it was for thirty minutes or less. The longest he's been home alone is about an hour and a half. He's 9, almost 10 now. By the time he's 12 I think it will be a little different, but that's because he's used to being left alone already. [/quote]

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