Emotional Problems With Latch Key Kids
Often, single parents or parents who work long hours cannot always be home to entertain, feed, instruct and supervise their children in the hours immediately after school. Children in these homes are referred to as latchkey kids. According to an article by Waln K. Brown, PhD, and Thomas A. Newman, published by the William Gladden Foundation, an estimated 30 percent of children under the age of 14 care for themselves or are supervised by siblings in non-school hours. These hours alone can have negative effects on latchkey children.
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Fear
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Brown and Thomas note that latchkey children experience a significant amount of fear brought on by repeated or prolonged isolation. Children in latchkey homes worry primarily about home invasions, but also reported being afraid to play outside while parents were away. They also feared for their general safety from accidents such as fires, injuries and other unforeseen events.
Discipline Issues
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Children raised in latchkey homes have been shown to be at higher risk of social and emotional issues than children with after-school supervision, according to Brown and Thomas. These issues manifest themselves in an increased rate of discipline problems at school, as well as higher instances of truancy, lower academic achievement and lower scores on tests that measure social adjustment.
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Boredom
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Without a plan for after-school activities, many latchkey children are unable to make productive use of their time alone. Hours in front of the TV without meaningful stimulation leads to restlessness, boredom and sometimes depression in young children.
Tips for Easing Emotional Problems
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Cope Incorporated suggests teaching children basic safety, such how to respond to strangers, and practicing different "what if" scenarios they may encounter when they're on their own. Arm them with emergency names and numbers, fire escape plans and first-aid supplies. This way, they feel better equipped to protect themselves and are less anxious about their time alone. Have a list of suggested after-school activities, games, chores and entertainment ready for your child, and identify fun hobbies they can tackle so they're never bored. Most important, communicate openly with your children about why you can't always be home with them, and about their feelings while you're gone.
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References
- "Latchkey Kids"; Waln K. Brown and Thomas A. Newman, William Gladden Foundation; 2005
- Cope Incorporated: Latchkey Kids
Resources
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