 Latchkey
Children: Young Children At Home
"Latchkey children." It's a term
that's often used to describe children who must stay at home alone taking care
of themselves for some part of the day. Usually, they're the children of working
parents. Always, they're the parents' worry. Experts estimate that from 5 to 12 million children between the ages of 5 and
13 are at home for some period of time every day. In many cases, their parents
either cannot afford child care, or none is available.
Children in self-care are about three times more likely than those supervised
by adults to be involved in accidents, engage in delinquent behavior, or be
victimized. And while no parents can be with their children all hours of the
day, those who must leave their children at home on a regular basis are gravely
concerned about how well the children can cope, both with routine activities and
potentially dangerous situations.
Some children enjoy caring for themselves and happily accept the added
responsibilities. Others occasionally are lonely, bored, and scared. For all of
them, however, the self-care experience is an opportunity for parents to discuss
all aspects of safety and crime prevention, as well as build their children's
self-esteem, confidence and competence. Moreover, studies show that a close
relationship with parents decreases or moderates any negative effects of
self-care.
Promoting Self-Care Skills
To promote self-care skills, parents should focus on setting rules and
limits, increasing levels of responsibility, and communicating basic safety
information. If children understand why they must be left alone and what they
may and may not do, their risk of injury and victimization -- and their parents'
worries -- will be greatly decreased.
Exploring Community Resources
In addition to working with their children on the "latchkey"
situation, parents can explore the resources available in their communities and
try to expand the options. For example:
- Many voluntary groups run a "Phone Friend" program in their
communities. This is a "warm line" that latchkey children can call
if they're scared or lonely. It is not meant to replace regular contact with
a parent or other trusted adult, but it could be a valuable resource,
particularly for those parents whose jobs don't allow unlimited access to a
telephone.
- There may be a block parent program, McGruff "Safe House," or
similar type of safety program operating in your community. Check with your
parent-teacher group or law enforcement agency. If there is such a program,
be sure your children know the locations of the Safe Houses alone their
regular routes to and from school, and walk those routes with them to be
sure they're safe. Point out areas such as alleys, deserted buildings or
abandoned houses that should be avoided.
- There may be "extended day" programs in your local school or
sponsored by recreation departments, such as the Boys and Girls Club. Or you
may be able to start one, with the help of other concerned parents. It is
always a good idea to check with your children's school about their policies
concerning absences and release of your children to anyone but you. Be sure
the school will not accept phone calls stating that children will be picked
up by someone other than their parents, and that the school will notify you
if your child is not in class. Find out if there is a "Parent
Alert" or "Callback" program or contact a local volunteer
group -- the American Association of Retired Persons or the PTA are examples
-- about starting one. This kind of program uses volunteers to call parents
(even on their jobs) if their children are not in school.
Following Household Routines
If your children are to be in charge of themselves at home, discuss the
routines they are to follow -- household chores, pets to tend, homework, family
policies on visiting friends or having friends visit them, and what to do when
the telephone or doorbell rings. Also, if you are not going to be coming home at
your regular time, let your children know!
Teach Your Children:
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