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Child in Charge

Is Your Child Ready to Care for Siblings?

By Heather V. Long

It's always good to have a checklist of items such as where the parents will be, how the child can reach them, where the medicines are, the child's schedule, what can they eat, any allergies and just as important, emergency numbers for a neighbor, another family member, as well as poison control.

"Our program tries to impress on them what to do if there is a real emergency, like a fire," says Jornsay-Hester. "They learn rescue breathing and the Heimlech maneuver. It also tries to prepare them for the little things, like changing a diaper. In many ways, this class is a good parental preparation class, and for those of us who are parents, not a lot of people taught us these things."

The American Association of Poison Control Center (AAPCC) advises that parents make sure that the babysitters have access to the hotline number (1-800-222-1222). More than a million children under the age of 6 were exposed to poisons in 2002. "We're moving into the peak season for unintentional poisonings," says Chris Falk, media director for the AAPCC. "It is important for sitters to understand to call a poison center immediately if a child swallows poison, even if it is only suspected."

So if you are wondering if your child is ready for the responsibility of being home alone or taking care of others, start by taking into account their maturity, their responsibility and their accountability. Parents know their kids and should make a point to know if they are ready or not. Then they can help to encourage and prepare them for what could happen so that prevention may remain the best medicine. When first starting out, whether staying home alone or babysitting, only allow it for short stints, an hour or two when you are easily reachable and can be home as needed.