Latchkey child: How the term has evolved

Until a few years ago, the term 'latchkey child' was rather negatively connoted. The ideal image of a family where the mother waits in the afternoon with the finished meal for the child was firmly rooted in people's minds. If children had to go home from school with their own key, parents were quickly labeled neglectful and the child was pitied.

However, the image of latchkey children has changed recently. Independence is increasingly seen as an advantage for development and parents' professional obligations are more accepted.

When is my child ready for their own key?

There is no single rule for at what age you can leave your child home alone in the afternoon. Depending on their development, however, your child should not be younger than eight years old. You must trust and be confident that your child can keep themselves occupied for a few hours in the afternoon. Additionally, your child's feelings are important.

Many children look forward to independence, but some are also afraid. Here you should definitely take your child's willingness into account. Depending on your child's development, you can also organize afternoon care during elementary school and only start training being alone with your child in fifth grade.

Latchkey child – How to prepare

• Telling time:To be able to stay home alone, it's important that your child can reliably tell the time so they can keep arrangements.

• Role-playing:How do I react on the phone or when someone suddenly rings the doorbell? In small role-playing exercises you can practice with your child how not to reveal that they are home alone.

• Heating food:If your child is alone in the afternoon, it may be worthwhile to get a microwave so your child can heat up their food without difficulty.

• Practice typical tasks:Unlocking the door, heating food, keeping themselves occupied. Have your child take on typical tasks more often so they can practice them.

• Easing in:One does not become a latchkey child overnight. First practice being alone for short periods and gradually introduce your child to the new situation.

Home alone: Rules for latchkey children

Don't let strangers in:

This is the top rule your child should master. When they are home alone, they must not let strangers into your home. Practice with them how to react if a stranger rings the doorbell. For example: "Now is not a good time, please try again later."

Clear agreements:

Being alone can quickly lead to turning on the TV or computer as soon as you get home. Agree with your child that eating and homework come first. You can also set a time limit for media use so it doesn't get out of hand. The same agreements should apply to plans with friends so you always know where your child is and when.

Reliability:

Applies to children and parents alike. Your child should not take unplanned detours and you should also be home at the agreed time. If you can't make it: be sure to let your child know.

Availability:

Along with the key, you should also equip your child with a mobile phone that has all important numbers saved so they can reach you without difficulty. For this you should also always have your phone with you so you notice immediately if your child wants to call you.

Have a Plan B:

The key won't turn? Your child doesn't feel well? There's a problem. It's best to agree with a friendly neighbor that your child can knock on their door in such cases. You can also leave a spare key with them so your neighbor can enter your apartment in an emergency.

Plan family time:

Arrange things so that you can spend some time with your child when you come home. It often happens that this gets lost while cooking, cleaning, or doing laundry. However, you should give your child enough time to talk about their day. This way you can find out how your child is doing and how they are coping with independence.