Caring for Latchkey Kids

The term latchkey kid originated from an NBC documentary in 1944, detailing the circumstance of children being left home during World War II while the father went to war and the mother worked a job to provide a family income. A latchkey is a key used for opening a door lock, in particularly a back door of a house. A latchkey child of the 1940s wore a latchkey on a string around their neck. Today, latchkey children often keep the house key in their pocket, or a key might be hidden under a doormat or a rock in the yard.

While my spouse and I both work full-time jobs, we are now fortunate that my husband works from home, and is able to make sure our 13-year-old gets on the school bus in the mornings, and greets her when she comes home from school. We weren't always so fortunate. Three years ago, both of us had jobs outside of the home, and three children in school. And while my husband had time in the mornings to make sure they all got to school safely, neither of us came home until about six o'clock in the evenings. The children were home alone for an average of three hours until we arrived home from work. We set ground rules and expectations, left a list of important phone numbers in case of emergency, and made sure to call them at least once in those three hours they were alone.

When you're faced with a child having to be alone for a few hours, there are some things that you can do to care for your latchkey kid:

• Have a neighbor keep an eye on your house for the few hours until you come home. Give her your cell and work phone numbers to call in case of emergency.
• Some communities have a phone program in place where children call a specific neighbor or trusted adult if they are hurt, lonely, or scared.
• A safe house is a house within your community where children can go if they are afraid to be alone. Make sure your children know where your neighborhood safe houses are located.
• Technology makes it possible to set up real-time video cameras at home, accessible to parents at their desk at work, where they can view what is happening at home.
• Most schools offer extended after-school programs for children of working parents. Work with your child's school counselor and school staff to arrange for your child to attend after-school activities if you do not want your child to be home alone.

Summer vacation from school also presents parents with the dilemma of children being home alone while they work. Find a friend or relative to watch your children a few hours each day, or arrange for a full-time babysitter. If you cannot afford to pay for child care, there are organizations such as the YMCA and summer care programs offered by schools to help with summer childcare.