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Living as a Latchkey Kid
Tips to Keep Kids Safe
By Carma Haley
For parents who live in communities without a support system for latchkey kids, Berkley suggests enlisting the help of locals to create a program. "Parents should really pressure their children's school to organize parent community groups or parent lists," Berkley says. "If schools would offer lists of who lives near whom, it would be easier for parents to go to each other for help instead of to an outside source or organization. Parents who live in apartment communities could organize an apartment parent association, which would offer another option. The school systems are known to complain when children are having problems -- even if the problem is as simple as not having homework done in a timely manner. But they do not always lend a hand to offer a solution to whatever problems do occur."
Though many parents would prefer their children not stay home alone, the need for income can make the situation unavoidable. "It's a shame to make the parent responsible when our society lets us down," Berkley says. "It's a hard situation. It's tough on both the children and the parents. We don't have the extended families living on the farm anymore. However, it can still be done. With a little time, effort and creativity, parents can find safe alternatives to any latchkey situation."