5 Safety Tips For Latch Key Kids

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on tips for latch key kids.  Do you have a Latch Key Kid?  If so, this post was written with you in mind.  When school is in session or during the summer months, some parents will be leaving their children alone for several hours.  Furthermore, some parents are single mothers who can’t afford the expense of child care.  Many families have both parents working outside the home.  Others because their children are old enough to take care of themselves.  
Furthermore, we have those who can’t find after school care.  Whatever the reason, there are approximately 15 million Latch Key Kids in the U.S.  So, don’t feel that you’re a bad parent or that you’re alone in your decision.
latch key children

 

Safety Tips for Latch Key Kids:

 

My daughter was around 10 when she became a latch key kid.  I’ve always hated that term, but it is what it is.  I was a single mother at the time, and I was trying to purchase a home.  I was saving every penny that I could.  As a result, I asked my daughter if she thought she could stay alone for several hours.  I was looking at it from the perspective of cutting out child care expense.  However, she saw as independence and she jumped at the opportunity.

Although I realized that I wasn’t the only parent who had a latch key child, the guilt I felt initially was beyond measure.  Thankfully, the bus stop was 500 yards from my front door.  In cases of an emergency, my neighbors told me that would step in.  Also, they made sure she went through the door each afternoon after school.  After several weeks, I soon released the guilt and became comfortable with my decision.

Many parents question the appropriate age for leaving children unattended. So, if you’re considering leaving your child alone be sure to check the legal ramifications.  You will also have to assess your child’s maturity level and their ability to follow directions.   Think about the time frame that your child will be alone.  Is your neighborhood safe?  If it’s more than a few hours, you may want to find another option.  Two hours was the maximum number of hours that I left my daughter.

Before we jumped in head first, we decided to do a trial run.  If we were comfortable, we would implement the plan.  If you have latchkey children, consider these tips:

1.  Rules Must Be Established – No friends over, do not answer the phone or door unless it’s for people who are checking on them, do not leave the home to play in the neighborhood etc. It’s also important that your child understand that they can’t tell people that they’re home alone and why. It’s imperative that your child understand the rules.

2.  Establish a Routine – You must give your child a routine. In my home it was to come straight home, let me know that she was home and that start on her To Do List. Today there are nanny cams and home monitoring devices that allow you to see what’s happening in the home while you’re at the office. There are also devices that allow you to turn off the alarm system remotely and reset it once your child gets inside the home. Skyping is a great idea too if it’s allowed in your office.

3.  Create a To Do List –  Keeping your child occupied is important.  When they’re occupied, they won’t have time to think about much else.  Furthermore, I created a list of things for my daughter to do once she arrived. She could get a snack, no cooking allowed.  She was allowed to turn on the television, radio etc.  Yes, sound is nice when you’re alone.  However, homework had to be completed before she could stop and watch her favorite shows.

4.  Establish Emergency Procedures – Make sure your child knows to call 911 if an emergency arrives.  Create a list of phone numbers for neighbors or relatives who are close by. My daughter knew that she could go next door for help or company if needed.

5.  Give Lots of Hugs and Praise – Show your child or children how much you appreciate them contributing  to the household by being responsible. Children love praise and they deserve it.

Finally, the experience actually built confidence in my daughter. It also made her understand responsibility and the importance of following directions.  Did you raise a latchkey child or do you currently have one?  What were some of the rules that you implemented?  They could be of benefit to other parents.  You may also like How to Keep Your Children Safe.

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Comments

  1. Those are great rules! While Amara will never be a latch key kid her parents are just now allowing her to stay home alone for maybe an hour while they go to Target. It is very scary for parents but it is something children need to grow into. Amara is very responsible and she is 11 so she is growing up. But as you suggested there are always neighbors close by (including Grandma) that could be there in a minute if she needed someone. Great post!

    • Hi Kc.  I agree it is very scary for parents to leave their child, but at some point all of us must so for one reason or another. Amara is a lucky little girl to never have been a latch key key. I remember the first day I left my daughter like it was yesterday. I hope my rules will help someone.  Thanks for stopping by. 

  2. These are great tips. It was a different time, but I was home alone at like 7 sometimes and it was fine – I was very independent and didn't get into trouble. I haven't figured out what the law is nowadays.

    • Hi Julie. I agree, times have changed. Today it's not unusual for both parents to be working to help make ends meet. As a result the number of Latch Key Children has increased. Thankfully, there are more safety measures on the market for home owners these days. I would be investing in a few if I was a parent leaving a child alone. Learning the state law is must too.  Thanks for stopping by. 

  3. These are great tips Rhonda. Establishing a routine and to-do list is a great idea especially for older children. I think it is a tad easier these days with all the technology available for checking in and think parents should utilize some of it if feasible.

    • Hi Michelle.  I agree, modern technology has made things easier for parents who have to leave their children. I love the nanny cams and the devices that allow you to control lighting, alarms, appliances etc., and being able to talk to your child remotely. They have made life easier for many parents.