by Sara Mcgrath

Created on: May 14, 2010

I don't hear much about latchkey kids nowadays. We live in a fearful culture, even though crime statistics haven't changed much over the decades. In my experience, children typically enjoy some time alone and time to practice meeting their own needs in the comfortable environment of home.

Probably many of us parents of children who could safely stay home alone had a lot more freedom during our own childhoods than our children have today. Laws about how old a child has to be to stay home or go to the neighborhood park alone are vague, so law enforcement officers and social service agents act according to their personal feelings (or fears).

I would argue than raising a latchkey kid can be beneficial if the time spent alone is not so long that the child misses the parent. Children need opportunities for autonomy in order to develop the skills necessary to care for themselves. Some time alone in the afternoons, for example, could provide a child with opportunities to practice preparing food or simply to relax in any way they choose.

A child alone at home has time to think and process a busy day, an opportunity which can contribute significantly to healthy self awareness and other leaps in development. Time alone gives children the opportunity to experiment with new skills without the anxiety they might feel while under a parent's observation.

It's nice for parents, too, to know through experience that their child can take care of him or herself for some amount of time. Parents can begin by leaving the child home for ten or fifteen minutes at a time to build up confidence for the child and the parents. Help the child practice using the phone and post important phone numbers, emergency numbers, and the home address near the phone. Designate a neighbor to go to for help.

Check out Lenore Skenazy's Free Range Kids for more information on leaving kids under their own care, as well as about crime statistics and legal and safety concerns.

Think back to your own childhood and remember your capabilities at various ages. Then give your child the opportunity to prove to you and your child that he or she is growing up and that you trust and have confidence in your child. Give your child a key. It's a symbol of independence and trust and can mark an important milestone in your child's life.

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