Essay On Latchkey Children

For children growing up in the modern era specifically the last few decades there has been a social term referring to children whom are left for significant amounts of time to care for them self as Latchkey children. These children come from both married and single parent households. Often the reason the children are left to care for them self in modern-day societies is so their parents can work. From the time the kids get out of school to whenever their parents get off work they’re alone without nannies or babysitters. Today children who self-care are often viewed has abused or neglected although this is not always the case. Often the term latchkey children it is associated with feminism and single mothers creating problems for society by breaking down family structure and societies morals on raising children (Muller, 1991). Studies do show that single parents are more likely to leave their children to self-care it is not a matter of choice but of necessity.

Latchkey children grow up in a variety of settings that lead to self-care, which depends on multiple factors including family relationships, trust, poverty and the parent’s methods of childcare (Muller, 1991). Many latchkey children spent their time watching TV, playing video games, and visiting staying at friends houses, while others were left

In urban settings children on the streets are more likely to be exploited and become involved with gangs (Vandivere, Tout, Zaslow, & Calkins, 2003). Out on the streets the children are more likely to engage in gangs due to the cared for feelings associated with being part of a group with members looking after each other in a family like manner. The danger of being abused by adults, engaging in acts of violence and high-risk activities is often higher for latchkey