• If possible, clear a few minutes in your schedule to talk on the phone with your child when she arrives home, and again briefly every hour or so. Just knowing that a parent is around and paying attention can help her feel cared for and safe.



• If your job does not allow you to talk on the phone in the afternoon, see if a grandparent, other relative, or a family friend might agree to fill that role.



• Many counties provide a warm line-a telephone number that children can call to talk to a supportive adult and even get help with homework. Surprisingly, it's not always easy to find these numbers in the phone book, but every region has a child-care resource and referral program that can help direct you to a local warm line. You can get the number for the child-care resource and referral program in your area by calling a toll-free number (1-800-424-2246), or look on the Web at www.childcareaware.org/findcarenow.htm. This is a national directory, maintained by the Childcare Aware program.



• Feel OK about your choice. If you've decided that your child is ready for self-care and you've taken steps to prepare your home, your child, and yourself, it's likely that the experience will be positive. If you feel good about the decision, it's more likely that your child will, too.



• Together with that positive expectation, it's helpful to listen to your child. How does he talk about his time at home alone? Does he sound comfortable and pleased, or is he trying very hard to sound more positive than he feels? If it's the latter, you might want to think again about alternatives. And if you find yourself feeling guilty and always trying to make it up to your child, that's another sign that the arrangement is not as positive as you'd like.

© Copyright 2004 The Dr. Spock Company. All Rights Reserved.