A "latch-key" child is a term that describes a child that must stay at home alone unsupervised, for a variety of reasons, and takes care of him or herself.
With the increasing number of households where both parents work, and where only a nuclear family (as opposed to an extended family) lives together, more children stay home unsupervised while their parents are on the job.
While there are obviously financial issues that must be considered, it is important that arrangements are made for the care of the young so that their upbringing doesn't suffer. Without supervision, latchkey children stand a better chance of falling into the 'wrong' company. Because of an increasing lack of attachment felt to the family, teens may search elsewhere for friendship, advice and experiences.
If this situation may resemble yours, there is some advice for parents:
- Older children or teenagers are usually more responsible and prepared to manage being alone for limited periods of time. Parents should consider their child's level of maturity and past 'record' of responsible behaviour before deciding to leave him or her home alone. This should be reviewed at regular intervals to make sure that the responsible and mature approach still exists.
- Parents should attempt to make their homes as safe as possible and always provide contact numbers for their child to reach them or their relatives.
- The child should be capable of answering the phone and doorbell and should know how to handle situations when strangers call or visit the home. This should be practiced and prepared before parents leave the child.
- The child should be informed of potentially dangerous situations, like medical emergencies, fire and strangers. Emergency plans should be practiced and established.
- The child should be aware of his or her responsibilities and boundaries. For example, should they be taking care of younger siblings, or about the appropriate use of television and computer.
Services that are available for parents with latchkey children for before and after school care services can be found with the following centres: