Latchkey child: How the term has changed

Until a few years ago the term latchkey child had a rather negative connotation. The ideal image of a family in which the mother waits in the afternoon with the finished meal for the child was firmly ingrained in people's minds. If children had to go home after 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 readily accepted.

When is my child ready for their own key?

There is no uniform rule about at what age you can leave your child at home alone in the afternoon. Depending on their level of development, your child should not be younger than eight years. You must trust your child and believe that they 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 wishes into account. Depending on your child's development, you can also arrange afternoon care during primary school and only start practising being alone with your child in fifth grade.

Latchkey child – How to prepare successfully

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

• Role-play:How should they react on the phone or if someone suddenly knocks at the door? In small role-plays you can practise with your child how not to reveal that they are home alone.

• Heating food:If your child is alone in the afternoon, it's probably worth getting a microwave so your child can heat their meal easily.

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

• Easing in:You don't become a latchkey child overnight. Start by practising 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 most important rule your child should master. If they are home alone, they must not let strangers into your home. Practice with them how to react when an unfamiliar person rings the doorbell. For example: 'Now isn't 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 arrive home. Agree with your child that eating and homework come first. You can also set a time frame for media use so it doesn't get out of hand. The same agreements should apply to meetings with friends so you always know where your child is and when.

Reliability:

Applies equally to children and parents. 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 them know.

Being reachable:

Along with the key you should also equip your child with a mobile phone that has all the important numbers stored so your child can reach you without difficulty. For that you should always carry your phone as well so you'll notice immediately if your child wants to call you.

Have a plan B:

Can't turn the key? Your child doesn't feel well? There's a problem. It's best to arrange 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 it so that you can spend some time with your child when you come home. It's easy for this to get lost while cooking, cleaning, or doing laundry. However, you should give your child enough time to tell you about their day. That way you can find out how your child is doing and how they're coping with independence.