Working away from home can be difficult for parents, but it’s important to do what’s best for the family. One question that often comes up is how to keep your little child safe while you’re away. You wouldn’t want to leave them alone, but if you hired someone to watch over them every day, it would be expensive. What’s a parent supposed to do?
1. Install a security system
A security system is a great way to keep an eye on your child even when you’re not there. You can monitor the live footage from your phone or computer, so you’ll always know what’s going on at home. If anything happens, the security system will alert you right away. Seek the help of a company that installs security monitoring systems.
2. Get a nanny cam
Get a nanny cam instead if you can’t afford a security system. This is a small camera that you can place in your child’s room to watch them while they’re sleeping or playing. It’s a great way to make sure that they’re safe and sound while you’re away.
3. Create a routine for your child
When your child knows what to expect from day to day, it will make your absence a little bit easier for them. Explain that you have to go away to work, but you’ll come back as soon as possible. If there’s anything they need while you’re gone, explain who can help them and how long it will take the helper to arrive. Be sure to follow this routine exactly so that your child doesn’t panic.
4. Talk with your kids about staying safe
Kids aren’t stupid. They know that sometimes their parents go away and don’t come back right away, which may be scary for them. The more you prepare your children for the fact that you may not be around all of the time, the less panicked they will be when it’s time for you to go. Reassure them that you will never leave them alone and that they are always safe with you no matter what.
5. Get your child a pet
Having a pet can help keep your child calm while you’re away working. They’ll have someone to talk to, play with, and snuggle with, so there’s less chance of them feeling lonely or scared. If possible, get your little one an animal that they’ve asked for, even if it’s not your first choice! Kids love animals, but make sure the kind of pet you get is age-appropriate (and safe!) for young children.
6. Don’t forget about older kids
If your older kid is staying home alone, don’t forget to talk to them about safety too! They need to be aware of things, like not answering the door for strangers or leaving the stove on. Make a list of these safety tips and go over them with your child so that they know what to do in case of an emergency.
7. Have a backup plan
No matter what you do, things can go wrong. If you can’t make it home on time for some reason, have a backup plan in place. This could mean having a relative or friend come and stay with your child until you get there or even hiring a babysitter to be on standby. It’s important to have a plan B just in case something unexpected happens.
8. Trust your gut
If something doesn’t feel right about the person watching your child, trust your gut and immediately remove them from the situation. You know your child best, so don’t hesitate to take action if something seems off.
9. Keep in touch
Make sure to keep in touch with your child while you’re away. This could mean calling them every day, sending them videos and pictures, or even FaceTiming. Anything to let them know that you’re thinking about them and that you’ll be back soon.
No matter what you do, it’s important to remember that your child will miss you when you’re away. Try to make your absence as short as possible and be prepared for the fact that your child may not sleep well or eat well when you’re gone. With a little bit of preparation, though, you can easily keep your little one safe and sound while you’re away working.
10. In case of emergencies, have an emergency contact list nearby
In the unfortunate event that something does happen to you while you’re away working, have a list nearby with all of your child’s important information (like their doctor and dentist) and who will be in charge in case of an emergency. This is also where having a backup plan for when you can’t make it home comes in handy!
If your child is safe at night while you are away working, there is no need to worry about them or feel guilty about not being there. You can rest assured that they are safe and sound because someone has been hired to watch over them when needed.
Working away from home can be difficult, but you can make it easier for your kids with a bit of preparation. By installing a security system, getting a nanny cam, and following a routine, you’ll give your children peace of mind and ensure that they’re safe while you’re away.
