Latchkey Children
February 19, 2009 by Dr. Vicki Panaccione
Filed under Ask Dr. Vicki, Child Development
Dear Dr. Vicki,
I have two children, ages 9 and 12. I have to work and I don’t have anyone to watch them, so they come home after school and stay in until I get home. My friends think they are too young. What do you think?
Dr. Vicki’s response:
Latchkey decisions are tough calls. However, you are certainly not alone in your dilemma. Nearly 7 million children ages 5 to 14 were regularly... Read more ⇒
“Latchkey” Decision Always Tough for Parents
August 26, 2003 by Dr. Vicki Panaccione
Filed under Child Development
Nearly 7 million children 5 to 14 were regularly left unsupervised in 1995 while their parents were at work or away for other reasons, according to a 2000 Census report, the most comprehensive report done on latchkey kids.
If it’s a last resort, children who stay home alone must be mature enough to handle the responsibility, said Dr. Vicki Panaccione, a licensed child psychologist. And parents must... Read more ⇒
