As summer approaches, families are figuring out how childcare will look as parents go to work and children are off from school.  Marshalltown Police Chief Chris Jones has his own children and recalls conversations with his family about when it is appropriate to leave your child home alone.

Chief Jones says one of the biggest factors on whether your child can stay home alone is if they know what to do in case of an emergency.

Sometimes the older sibling is “babysitting” the younger sibling

Chief Jones suggests families have a cellphone at home the child can use in case of an emergency.  Make sure they know how to dial out and go over a few scenarios to help them feel more comfortable on the phone.

Zach Tomesch, News Director KFJB