Bright Ideas

If children are left alone for any amount of time, they need to know how to use the phone in case of an emergency. Help your grandchildren prepare by practicing emergency calls.

With a toy phone or an unplugged phone, have your grandchild pretend to make an emergency call. Ask the child questions that an emergency operator might ask:

What kind of emergency is it?

What is your address?

What is your phone number?

Is anyone hurt?

Share tips that have worked for you with other grandparents. Only the idea, not your name, will be published. Send your ideas to:

Parenting Again
Annette Campbell, editor
University of Illinois Extension
4202 Williamson Place, Ste. 2
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864

In This Issue: When Are Children Ready to Stay Home Alone | Beat Summer Boredom | Bright Ideas | Making Memories This Summer | Recipe Corner | Are You Emergency Ready?