Jessi remembers that when she and Joey first started staying home alone, they weren't allowed to open the door for anyone or invite any friends to their home. Now Jessi's allowed to invite over any friend that her mum knows well.
Every family has different home alone rules. Here are some common rules:
"Closed door" policy (原则)
•Don't open the door for anyone except a brother, sister or parent.
•Keep all doors locked, at all times.
Checking in
•When you get home, call your parents to let them know that everything's OK.
Phone calls
•Only pick up the phone if it's a parent, relative, or friend who your parents know.
•If you answer the phone and the person asks for a parent, just say that he or she is busy and can't come to the phone. Never tell a stranger on the phone that you're home alone!
Snacks
•If you feel nervous about using appliances like the oven(烤箱), you may have some snacks instead of cooking food yourself.
Visiting friends
Most children have a rule that no friends are allowed in the house when they're home alone. This may be no fun but in the end, is safe for everyone.
Staying inside
Your parents may want you to stay at home and not go anywhere-- not even a friend's house, park, or store.
No Internet
Many parents, including Jessi and Joey's mum, ask their children to wait until a parent is home before going online.
These rules are very important. Follow them when you're home alone.
