SEMINAR TO HELP PARENTS ASSESS IF CHILDREN CAN STAY AT HOME

JACKSON -- One of every 12 children under the age of 13 care for themselves before or after school while parents work.

"These statistics were revealed from a nearby state's survey during the 1992-93 school year," said human development specialist Mary Gosche. "The poll was conducted with parents whose children ranged in age from 5 through 13.

Gosche, a specialist with the University of Missouri Extension Center, will be one of two extension officials who will serve as guest speakers for a "Self Care by Children," workshop to be held today.

The program will be held at the Extension Center at the intersection of highways 25 and 61 in Jackson from 6:30-8 p.m. It is sponsored by Southeast Missouri Hospital's outreach services office in Jackson.

Gosche and food and nutrition specialist Susan Mills will conduct the program.

"This is the second year for the program," said Gosche. "Last year, between 50 and 60 persons attended the session, and we're looking for a good turnout this year. We already have about 25 people signed up for the meeting."

The purpose of the seminar, said Gosche, is to help parents assess whether or not their children are ready to "stay alone" by themselves for short periods of time.

The two-part seminar will focus on helping assess a child's readiness to stay alone, noted Gosche. "The program will also increase self-care skills and help a youngster acquire the knowledge needed for this new responsibility."

Gosche will speak on topics concerning a child's readiness to stay alone, and Mills will discuss kitchen safety tips and how younger children can make nutritious, easy-to-prepare snacks.

Gosche said parents and children will be addressed separately by both speakers at the program.

This program on self-care was planned because there has been a steady increase in the number of parents in the work force who can't be there when their children come home from school, Gosche said. Also, many parents must work late in the evenings.

"Many children beg to stay by themselves," she said. "But just because they want to stay alone doesn't mean they're ready."

She said children should prove that they're responsible in following family rules, being home on time, doing homework, and avoiding danger.

"We don't recommend children staying alone if they are under 10 years old," said Gosche. "If parents are in doubt, perhaps they should begin by leaving their children alone only for a short period of time,"

Also, children need a support system, such as a safe neighborhood or a person they can call when they get home from school, she said. "At the seminar, we're going to teach the children house rules, good telephone skills and what to do if approached by a stranger.

"We'll also be discussing with the parents how to make their home burglar proof and how they should talk to their children about fears," said Gosche, who added that both parents and children will be given a home-safety quiz before the seminar.

Families who want to attend the seminar can pre-register by calling Southeast's outreach office at 243-5349.