LATCHKEY CHILDREN...
The term “latchkey children” refers to children who stay at home alone or go home to an empty house after school. It is very important that a family works together to prepare a child for this endeavor and make sure that the child clearly understands the rules of the house, as well as their individual responsibilities. There are some steps you can take as a parent of a latchkey child to make them as safe as possible.

First you must decide if your child is ready for the responsibilities of taking care of him/herself. Some children are proud that their parents trust them to be alone, while others may feel deserted and alone. Each child matures at a different rate, and you know your child better then anyone, so you must decide if he/she is mature enough to handle this responsibility.

Once you have reached your decision and you feel that your child can handle taking care of him/herself, it is time to make the environment safe for them. To start out, you should set some house rules. With clear limits of what they can and can’t do, some children feel more secure. Rules regarding the telephone, allowing friends over, using appliances, and leaving the house are some examples. Important phone numbers need to be posted close by the phone. These numbers could include parent’s work, police department, fire department, ambulance, doctor, poison control, and a neighbor. Also, make sure your child knows how to use the phone and when he/she would need to call these numbers. You also need to establish emergency plans so that the children will react calmly in the event of an emergency. Some emergencies you should plan for are:

• losing the house key
• if a child gets hurt
• he/she misses the bus
• fire
• a window is broken when they get home
• a stranger calls or comes to the house.

Once you have covered the safety issues you should practice some practical skills with your child. You want to make sure that they know how to respond to strangers, prepare simple meals, and overcome fear or boredom.

Before leaving your child alone you should talk with him/her about why they have to be alone, how long, and what you expect of them. When you tell your child the time you will be home, it is good to arrive at that time. Any amount of time you are late may cause your child to get anxious or scared. It is a good idea to evaluate the arrangement after a few weeks and make sure there aren’t any changes that need to be made.

If you would like further information on latchkey children please contact our Parent Referral Counselor .