'Latchkey' children as common as apple pie Published Sept. 16, 2008 By Debbie Aragon 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- In 2008 America, "latchkey" children are becoming as common as apple pie, according to government statistics. Although historians note the term latchkey children was coined in the 1800s when youngsters who were responsible for their own care wore a house key on a string around their necks, the label appears more relevant today. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, nearly 7 million children ages 5 to 14 years old were regularly left unsupervised in 1995 while their parents were at work or away for other reasons. The report also noted children caring for themselves spent an average of six hours a week doing so. There isn't a state statue on the books governing the age at which a child can be left home alone, according to Nebraska Health and Human Services. The state leaves it up to parents - based on the development of their child - because children mature at different rates even if they're of the same chronological age, state officials said. Although the state of Nebraska doesn't have age stipulations, parents who live in Offutt base housing must adhere to the Offutt AFB youth supervision policy. The policy outlines the minimum ages at which children can be left at home alone during specific situations. For example, children must be at least 10 years old to be left without supervision in a base home for less than two hours. That age requirement jumps to 12 if the youngster is at home by his or her self for more than two hours and 16 before they can be left by themselves overnight. In addition to age requirements outlined in the policy, both the parent and 10-year-old child must attend the free Home Alone class offered by the 55th Services Squadron Family Child Care Office before the child can be left unsupervised. "The class teaches what to do in emergency situations and provides useful tips to keep children safe," said Beth Stucker, Family Child Care coordinator. "Ultimately, it's the parent's responsibility to determine each child's ability to stay home alone," Ms. Stucker said. She recommends parents evaluate their children by asking three questions: Is the child ready to be home alone? Does he or she have the ability to handle stressful and emergency situations? Is there an emergency contact readily available to help? Once parents determine their children are ready to be left home alone, they can use the following guidelines provided by state and wing officials to prepare to leave a child unattended. * Teach children how to use the key, lock all doors and windows from the inside, and safely store the key. Also teach them how to use the 911 system (dial 911, give the address, name and nature of problem in that order). Role-play with your child until you're comfortable with your child's ability to respond to emergencies. For example, ask your child what he or she would do if the popcorn in the microwave catches fire, the phone is dead, somebody followed him or her home from school and is outside the house or they lose their key. * Be sure children know the full address and phone number of the house and how to reach parents. It's also good to choose and teach children the safe route home from school and make sure they understand not to deviate from it. * Establish house rules ahead of time such as where the boundaries are like whether they're allowed to cook, play outside or allow friends in the house. Also, children should know to check in with a parent or an arranged substitute as soon as they arrive home. According to Ms. Stucker, the most common situation parents fall into when faced with leaving their children home by themselves is not making it clear to their children exactly what's expected of them while at home by themselves. * Have a backup system in place. For example, children should know to find a neighbor or call a family friend if there's a problem and they can't reach you. Parents should consider getting a cellular telephone if their job requires them to be on the move. Knowing a parent is always available adds to a child's comfort level. * Teach children why he or she should never open the door to strangers. Show them the door peephole (if there's one) and go over a list of who can be admitted. Also teach them to call 911 if someone tries to break into the house or won't go away after ringing the doorbell. * Teach children to never tell anyone who calls on the phone about being home alone. Give them an appropriate phrase to use instead such as "My mom can't come to the phone right now. Can I take a message?" * Teach children what to do in case of a power failure. Decide together where the flashlight and portable radio should be kept. * Work out a schedule together such as: Call mom, snack, homework, etc. You can also assign chores to do and add them to the schedule. * Let children know you believe they're big enough to obey all the rules and stay at home safely. Also ask them to tell you about anything that makes them feel uncomfortable about staying home alone. You can do this by setting time aside each week to talk about staying home alone. * Finally, attend the Home Alone class with your child. The next Home Alone class begins at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 20 in the Community Center. To sign up for the class, contact Ms. Stucker or Angela Carlson at 294-9016 no later than Nov. 17.