I know in this day and age it is politically correct to leave your children at home alone. Although I am familiar with the argument that both parents have to work, I respectfully disagree. Another ever increasing argument is the working single parent. Usually the mother.

I contend that whatever the cost the children should be properly supervised by an adult.

In either of the cases above, it is believed that proper supervision is too costly. To that I say BULL! What are the most prized possessions of any good parent? Their children! If it cost too much to ensure their safety, then you need to rearrange your priorities! So you go out less or maybe you don’t get the more expensive car. You could by a less expensive house or God forbid you could forgo the boat or RV. After all, what’s more important, getting STUFF of getting HUGS!

There are less expensive ways to ensure your children are properly supervised. In my case, I have a wonderful family. Any one of them would do anything to guarantee my son is properly supervised. Talk to your friends and neighbors. They are a great source of "free" childcare. They’re responsible people work with them.

If you still think it’s okay to leave your children home alone, I am reminded of a story I heard a few years ago. It was about a little girl that was taken right out of her bed at night with her parents sleeping downstairs. It just goes to show you what can happen when children are properly supervised

I am also reminded of when my 13 year old nephew slammed his finger in a screen door. It ripped off the tip of his finger. Because there were adults there, everything was handled well. Right down to retrieving the finger tip and putting it on ice. (That was my part...Yuck) The tip was reattached and everything was fine. I wonder how well the situation would have progressed if his little sister and he had been left home alone. At the very least, my nephew would be missing the tip of his finger.

You never know how a child is going to react in an emergency.....and do you really want to be absent when you find out?

One aspect I have not addressed up to this point (because it should not be an issue) is the non-working parent. Single or married doesn’t matter. If you are not working, there is no acceptable excuse for you to not be there for your children. OH, wait there is selfishness!! NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!!!!! If you are unemployed, the only "things" that would keep you from your parental duties are "things" that you create yourself. Common sense tells me to create them so it doesn’t conflict with the safety of your PRIDE and JOY!!!