Is Self-Care Right for Your Family?
The term self-care is sometimes used to describe children of upper-elementary and middle-school age who are responsible for their own safety and well-being when outside of school or other direct adult supervision. This can also include children who are in the care of another child under the age of 14 years. The impact of selfcare on a child varies from child to child. Age, maturity, attitude, safety of the home and neighborhood, and the structure of self-care all influence the effects on a child.
First, be sure the child welfare guidelines of your state or county allow self-care by contacting your local Child Protective Services agency. You will find that most counties recommend time limits for leaving children of specific ages home alone.
You, as a parent, play a major role in making self-care a success by your attitude and how well you communicate with your child. Do you:
• Have a positive attitude about going to work?
• Have a positive relationship between you and your child?
• Have open lines of communication?
• Have a psychologically close and trusting relationship?
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