Latchkey Child

Latchkey Child

 In Educational Articles
0

What is the definition of a latchkey child? A latchkey is a child who returns from school to an empty home because their parent or parents are away at work, or a child who is often left at home with little parental supervision.  I never stayed home alone when I was young. I began to stay at home by myself when I was in high school, but that was because I knew what I was doing already. I took care of myself and knew what was like right or wrong.  Parents who leave their child or children alone thinks they will become independent and will take care of themselves properly. They want their kids to take responsibility at an early age, but do so without really thinking about the consequences. The following are the pros and cons of a latchkey child:

Cons:

  1. Burglary
  2. Tragedy
  3. Kidnapping
  4. Loneliness

Pros:

  1. Independent

I really don’t like the odds of leaving a child alone. I would rather leave my child with a babysitter or if I can’t do anything, stay at home. There are hotlines for those with depression issues that one can use:

  1. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  2. The Samaritans
  3. Crisis Text Line

These hotlines are a mere prime example of where a child or someone could talk to someone if they’re depressed or something else. One can find more hotlines out there.

If you’re thinking of making your child independent, try to think about their safety. What do they need to do if they have no one to contact or go to? Now that we are in an era of technology, what can you do to make a child stay at home safely? Here are some helpful suggestions that you can do:

  1. Let the child walk with a group of kids and their parents.
  2. Buy the child a smartphone and put a tracking device on it so you’ll be able to know where the child is without worrying.
  3. Teach the child what is right and wrong.
  4. Let someone you know pick them up from school and bring them home.
  5. Put a security camera inside the home to keep an eye on them.

These suggestions will make your child or children remain at home safely. However, there are some other news that having a latchkey child is now a criminal. Some states may not like it if someone finds out that you’re making a child be independent. It is already the year 2017, where there is a lot of criminal offenses and ticketing happening rather than before. Make sure it’s all right to let your child stay at home by themselves in your particular state.

Always ask the child if he/she wants to be left alone at the house. If you don’t ask, what if they get scared and get into a panic mode? What will you do? Some kids will tell you the truth; some will just simply lie. You must be able to trust them.

Website/links used:

Recent Posts
0

Start typing and press Enter to search

Translate »