A Smart Girl's Guide: Staying Home Alone. Dottie Raymer

the neighborhood.” Ask your parents what your

      home territory is.

      Snack Time

      What are you allowed to snack on when you get home? Can you make

      it yourself? Are any foods or appliances off-limits?

      On Schedule

      Do homework . . . or play with the cat? Shoot baskets . . . or clean your

      room? Your parents might have one opinion. You might have another.

      Talk about it, and work out a suitable schedule.

      golden rules

      Even though every family has different rules, some basic rules apply to

      everyone. Follow these golden rules, and you’ll feel—and be—in control!

      Always lock the door.

      Believe it or not, leaving your key in the

      door by accident is an easy thing to do.

      Avoid this mistake by forming a good

      habit. As soon as you walk in the door,

      put your key in a special spot, such as on

      a hook or in a dish. Make it the first thing

      you do after you shut and lock the door

      behind you.

      Check in.

      Always let your parents know

      where you are. Call to keep

      your parents up-to-date if your

      schedule changes one day or is

      so busy that it gets confusing.

      And always check with a parent

      before you change your plans.

      Never tell anyone

      you’re alone.

      You can be polite without letting

      people know you’re alone. If someone

      calls for your mom, ask for a name:

      “Who are you trying to reach?” Ask

      who’s calling, and then say, “She’s busy

      right now. I’ll let her know you called,”

      and hang up.