In my opinion, a gun carried without one in the chamber, especially one that's carried off-body, is rather useless.
Chamber a round. Put the pistol in a good holster. Secure the package well within the purse.
Secure the purse (or remove the holstered pistol and secure it) when she's home.
-J-
Of course. I carry enough junk everyday, I don't need to carry what is essentially a rock.keep one in the chamber or not?
+1 No point in carrying a firearm without one in the chamber. Might as well carry a club, of pepper spray, or a taser.
YouTube - Should You Carry A Round In The Chamber?
If you are concerned because of having children. Have her make it safe when she gets home. If she is going to leave, have her make it hot.
If by "make safe" you mean put in a safe or locked container, agreed, but not if you mean unloading it.
The more you mess with it, the more you increase chances of an AD/ND.
Load it and leave it in the holster.
Besides, the more you rack a round in the chamber, the more likely you are to set the bullet farther in the brass.