The term "latch-key kid" is becoming more and more common in today's society. In case you don't know what this term means, it refers to any school-aged child who comes home to an empty house--most often because both parents work. Whether your financial situation requires both you and your spouse to work, you both choose to work, or you're simply a single parent, being the parent of a latch-key kid leaves you with some unique considerations when it comes to raising your child.
Many parents worry about their child's safety when they are home alone, but it's not always possible to find a babysitter for them every afternoon--and if your children are hitting puberty, they'll probably resent having a babysitter anyways. Still, you want to ensure that your latch-key kids are safe, so here are a few tips for doing just that.
Have Them Call
You should have an agreement with your child that they will always call you as soon as they get home. That way, you know they have arrived safely. Or, if they are going to a friend's house or to an activity after school, they should call and inform you of this as well. This allows you to stay informed of your child's whereabouts at all times.
Get Cameras
Sometimes being able to see that your child is safe gives you more peace of mind than a simple phone call can. After all, how do you know if your teenager is just telling you they're home, when really they're heading somewhere with friends? You can have surveillance cameras installed in your home that allow you to view live video feeds on your computer or smartphone. With this ability, you can see for yourself that your child is home safe, and even keep an eye on them from a distance. Contact a company that handles video surveillance in Greenville, SC, for more information on this.
Have Someone Check In
Even if your child is a little too old for a babysitter, they're never too old to have someone stop by to check in on them. Whether it's a relative, a family friend, or a neighbor, try to find an adult who can just stop by for a few minutes after your child gets home from school. They don't have to stay long, but it can give you a lot of peace of mind to hear from another adult that all is well.
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