Latchkey Kids

Do you have a latchkey child? 
According to the US Census Bureau’s most recent data, about 1 in 10 elementary age children spend 4.5 hours alone each week. Whatever your reasons for leaving your child unsupervised, there are things you can do to safeguard your children and help them benefit from the time alone.

Approximately one-third of all complaints to child welfare agencies deal with latchkey kids. 

The afternoon hours, when children are most often unsupervised, are also the peak time for juvenile crime. Pippi Longstocking didn’t need adults around—but how will your child do?

Before you make a decision to leave your child home alone, check with your county fire marshal for the local age limit. But don’t be lulled into a false sense of security—the legal age is no magic number. Some children are able to care for themselves at a young age. Others need adult supervision well into their teens.

Is your child ready to take responsibility for her own care? A lot depends on the child’s maturity level. Can she keep calm in an emergency? Does he know how to call you at work, and when to call 911? Will she follow directions and spend her time wisely?

It’s a good idea to start slow. Run a quick errand, and watch your child’s reaction when you come home. Did that half-hour alone make your child worry? Or did he feel respected, confident and trusted? 

Make sure your child understands the rules, and will follow them. Can they use the microwave, but not the stove? May they answer the phone or the door? What about television or the internet?

Even on their own, children can benefit from some structure. Leave a checklist for your child, to remind them to finish their homework or do a few simple chores to fill their time and feel like a contributing member of the family. After all, a child old enough to be alone is old enough to help out.

Remember, though, they’re still kids. Call home, to ask about their school day. Leave a love note. And once their schoolwork and chores are done, make sure there’s a little time left over to relax and enjoy their new privileges as an independent young person.

After your child has spent some time alone, go back and re-evaluate the situation. Are they confident and productive? Are they relaxed and happy and secure? If things aren’t going well, maybe being home alone isn’t the right solution for your child right now. 

Is your child fearful? Is their homework finished? Is the house a mess, or do they clean up after themselves? Are they roaming the streets? 

Remember, too, that this is a choice your family has made. Neighbors, librarians, and local store owners aren’t being paid to watch your child. They might not be able or willing to keep an eye on your child for you. If your child is relying on strangers to care for them or make them feel secure, they aren’t just being pests—they are in danger. If your child needs supervision or a safe place to go, find that place and be glad you did. They’ll have plenty of time to be on their own, when they’re ready.

COPE Workplace Counseling has a list of tips and lots of resources for latchkey kids. Visit them on the web at www.cope-inc.com/latchkey.shtmll