staying at home alone?

Question

im 13 and scared of staying at home alone can you please help me? i live in a good neighborhood its just that i live in baton rouge so can you help me face this problem

Answer 1

Why are you home alone?

I mean at 13 its acceptable to be at home alone for a short time while your parents run to the store or something, but since you asked this in the homeschooling section I am concerned that you might be talking about all day, every day. I don't think that is a good idea, at 13 you still need guidance.

Is there a relative or friends house you could spend the day at? Another homeschool family perhaps?

At any rate, talk to your parents and tell them how you feel. See if they can come up with some solution that works for everyone.

Answer 2

I think it is pretty normal to be your age and be scared to be at home alone. Don't worry so much.
Your parents probably work I would think. When you get home from school, make sure to give them a phone call - if possible so that they know you are safely at home. Make sure that once you are home to lock all of the doors and windows. Above all don't answer the door if you don't know a person or not sure of who the person at the door is. Also don't give out any information over the phone. If someone calls asking for one of your parents, lie and say that they are busy right now. This will give the caller the idea that someone is at home with you.
Turn on the TV or the radio and this will help to fill up the void of not hearing other voices in the house.
Do you have a neighbor that you could call in case of an emergency or perhaps a friends parent that you can call in case of an emergency? If not talk to your parents about this and write the number near the phone so they will always be there if you happen to need the numbers.
Also write down the police, ambulance and fire department numbers if you do not have the 911 system.
You will do just fine. You have done all you need to do.

Answer 3

I had that problem when I was your age. This is what I used to do...

1. Be responsible. You have friends... great friends, I'm sure. Tell your parents who's coming in and out of the house... better yet ask their permission. Friends are wonderful, but you have no idea how they were raised and what their intentions might be.

2. Be safe. If you're cooking, don't go sit on the couch... stay in the kitchen. Make sure you shut things off... I think the biggest thing that used to scare me about being home alone was that if I electrocuted myself, or fell down, no one would be around for however long...

3. Keep a phone handy. Remember, you can always dial 911 from a land line even if there is no service. I say this because a lot of people are mobile only and if you have no charge in your battery, it doesn't matter if the cell is around. Also, a bad storm can knock out reception.

4. Close shades/blinds/drapes at night. I always fought the idea that people outside could see in... they can. You don't need anyone watching you or your behaviors. Try to be as mindful as you can about keeping others eyes off of you.

5. Always lock windows and doors. If you're home alone, you don't need any surprises like that. If you live on the second floor, you can keep windows open, if and only if you're sure someone couldn't climb over. That said, I doubt that's likely.

6. Take a pen with you if you have to walk a dog or go outside for any reason. I'm of the opinion that a pen makes a great weapon for an attacker. You more than likely won't kill the person, but if push comes to shove, you'll be able to buy yourself some time. If you don't want to do that because it opens up a liability, remember that if someone attacks you, don't waste your energy by fighting a losing battle. Remember weak spots: if you're grabbed, try to face your attacker and try to kick in the front of his/her knee (imagine that it bends backward). If you do this correctly, you'll mess his/her leg up real bad.

Best of luck to you... hang in there... and you must be doing a bunch of things right if your parents are comfortable to leave you home alone. Take good care, :)

Answer 4

Change and new things can be scary. It is normal to be a little anxious in such situations. Just like its normal for an actor to have a little stage fright before a performance, or a teenage boy to get tongue tied when it comes to asking a girl out on a first date, or a kindergartener on her first day of school. This kind of fear is good for us because it reminds us to make sure we're prepared and it makes us cautious. But if we let it control us, we become petrified of anything new, and stop growing.

Everyone else has advised you about locking the doors, and I'm sure you know how to call the fire department, etc. So you can probably decide whether or not you are as prepared as you can be. If not, do what you need to do to get prepared.

If you've done all you can to prepare, then take a deep breath, tell yourself this is a normal reaction to a new situation, and recognize that you are growing up and this is a part of the process.

Then, if it was me, I'd pop some popcorn and curl up with a good book.

Answer 5

I would love to stay at home alone! Unfortunately there is ALWAYS someone here. There are 9 (going to be 10) people in our family. The only veichle we have is a 3 passenger truck. We all went to the lake together for the first time in like a year last weekend...It was funny. We had to make 2 trips and some of us had to ride in the back of the truck and duck when we saw a cop...LOL. Anyways just put on some music or the t.v so there is some noise.

Answer 6

i wish that my sisters could talk to you!! they both hadto stay home alone when they were very young!!! i'm not too experienced in this area, but, i would say what pretty much everyone else is telling you!!! i know when i am a little frightened i always keep the tv on!!! it makes me feel like there is someone here with me!! but, NO SCARY MOVIES!! and don't watch Home Alone, either!! maybe listen to the radio,or, talk on the phone with your friends!! do something that you like,like a hobby,to keep your mind off the "alone "thing!!!
NEVER answer the door, and let the answering machine answer your calls!! if you are expecting a friend over, tell them to call you on their cell phone when they are approaching your door!!
you can do it!!!!

Answer 7

I used to stay at home alone during my age of 13 - 15.... So do my younger sister... Both my parent are working... I gotta stay at home along after my school...

But i will usually put on some music or TV to overcome the lonely and uncomfortable feeling... perhaps you can try the same thing....

Answer 8

i was the same way, just go about your day like you would normally if someone else was home. if you ever start to get really scared call your parents or a friend. dont answer the door for anyone and dont think about or watch anything that will creep you out. after about a week of being home alone you'll start to like it, i know i did. good luck!

Answer 9

Do things to keep your mind off of worrying!

DO NOT answer the door for anyone. Maybe you could start off staying an hour alone while your mom goes and runs an errand then work your way up so you realize it's not that bad. This is what I had to do with my son and now I can't get him to go anywhere with me!

Answer 10

yeah just keep your doors locked and screen your calls (get an answering machine if you dont already have one). dont leave any windows open unless they are in the same room as you and you are awake.
(and that is only if you dont have a/c)
try to watch something lighthearted on tv, no "law and order"!
find something enjoyable to do, but always be keen on your surroundings (not to the point of extreme paranoia though)
keep your phone nearby in case you feel worried or lonely!