Kaze Uta Budo Kai Forum Archive

It's common for children to be home alone for a couple of hours after school before the parents are off work. Growing up, we were told never to open the door to anyone, period.

When dealing with someone knocking on the door, the children can yell, "Dad! There's someone at the door!"

First, this ensures the person at the door knows the dwelling is not empty. There have been numerous cases where burglars do a knock test to see if the place is empty, then break in if there's no answer (if the door is answered they can pretend to be lost and ask for directions as a cover story). Second, this makes the person at the door think an adult is home.

The child can now use a phone to contact a parent, and stay on the phone with them until the person at the door leaves.

Children can acknowledge whomever is at the door without opening it. Tell the salesperson they aren't interested in buying anything. The children can also tell whomever is at the door that their dad is in the shower, which provides a nice stall tactic.

Excellent advice, thank you.