Many Americans lead extremely hectic lifestyles with loaded schedules that see them have little time for their families. One major effect of this development is the fact that these parents leave at home latch key children who are unsupervised and unattended by any adult especially after school, before or during the vacations. Some kids rarely see their parents because they leave for work very early at dawn and return home late when everybody is asleep. This term refers to those kids aged between five years old up to thirteen and usually takes care of themselves each day with little supervision.
Generally, kids from high-income households are more likely to be left home alone compared to other households with lower incomes. This is because parents consider their homes and neighborhoods secure and safe from many social evils. Many will ensure that such homes have the latest security measures and safety systems that keep intruders away. Families with single parents also often leave kids alone at home out of necessity.
Many young children left unattended and unsupervised suffer from loneliness, fear and boredom. They spend a better part of the afternoon and early evening alone as their parents work. To pass the time, many of them watch a lot of television at the expense of their studies or homework. This results to bad performances at school and in exams. In addition, they risk becoming socially awkward.
Teenagers often tend to act out when left alone. They indulge in negative behaviors like drug abuse, smoking, alcohol abuse, theft and sexual promiscuity. This usually stems from a number of reasons including peer pressure, unspent energy, hostility or seeking attention. Those who choose to hang out with friends after school are at higher risk of getting into trouble and indulging in bad behavior. Those kids living in gang prone areas often end up joining such gangs.
However, not all kids left alone for long periods end up indulging in bad behaviors. Some acquire some positive attributes such as early maturity, being self-reliant, being able to adapt to hard or difficult situations as well as a desire to positively contribute to a certain need at home. This includes taking care of younger siblings, cooking, seeking a job to help with finances and cleaning.
Many parents like leaving kids at public libraries and pick them up in the evening on their way home. This essentially means that they spend a better part of after school hours alone at the library. Other parents arrange babysitters or ask neighbors to look after them. However, it is better to leave the child at home rather than using any of these options.
Legal issues surrounding latchkey kids defer from state to state in terms of the minimum age for leaving them unsupervised. Each state has set own limits while others have not specified. However, any harm that befalls one due to negligence will attract the attention of law enforcement and child welfare organizations.
Many schools offer after school programs and co-curricular activities as well as sports. This is a perfect opportunity for parents to utilize as an alternative. Similarly, they can sign up for the community calling programs in their neighborhoods.
Generally, kids from high-income households are more likely to be left home alone compared to other households with lower incomes. This is because parents consider their homes and neighborhoods secure and safe from many social evils. Many will ensure that such homes have the latest security measures and safety systems that keep intruders away. Families with single parents also often leave kids alone at home out of necessity.
Many young children left unattended and unsupervised suffer from loneliness, fear and boredom. They spend a better part of the afternoon and early evening alone as their parents work. To pass the time, many of them watch a lot of television at the expense of their studies or homework. This results to bad performances at school and in exams. In addition, they risk becoming socially awkward.
Teenagers often tend to act out when left alone. They indulge in negative behaviors like drug abuse, smoking, alcohol abuse, theft and sexual promiscuity. This usually stems from a number of reasons including peer pressure, unspent energy, hostility or seeking attention. Those who choose to hang out with friends after school are at higher risk of getting into trouble and indulging in bad behavior. Those kids living in gang prone areas often end up joining such gangs.
However, not all kids left alone for long periods end up indulging in bad behaviors. Some acquire some positive attributes such as early maturity, being self-reliant, being able to adapt to hard or difficult situations as well as a desire to positively contribute to a certain need at home. This includes taking care of younger siblings, cooking, seeking a job to help with finances and cleaning.
Many parents like leaving kids at public libraries and pick them up in the evening on their way home. This essentially means that they spend a better part of after school hours alone at the library. Other parents arrange babysitters or ask neighbors to look after them. However, it is better to leave the child at home rather than using any of these options.
Legal issues surrounding latchkey kids defer from state to state in terms of the minimum age for leaving them unsupervised. Each state has set own limits while others have not specified. However, any harm that befalls one due to negligence will attract the attention of law enforcement and child welfare organizations.
Many schools offer after school programs and co-curricular activities as well as sports. This is a perfect opportunity for parents to utilize as an alternative. Similarly, they can sign up for the community calling programs in their neighborhoods.
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