Essays

Most working parents allow their children to stay alone at home after school, till they return. Let us find out how this could affect the child's personality.

Gone are the days when men were the only breadwinners of the family, and women, good homemakers. Today, single income family is a rarity and women too cater to the monetary needs of the family. And this spells trouble if there are children at home.

Too old to be put in a creche or day-care centre and with not many after-school centres available, many working parents leave their children to spend time alone at home after school, till they are back. Although the concept is not new, it has been of growing concern to parents, as more latchkey kids means more trouble. So, how will parents cope with this?

Studies reveal that cases of depression, insecurity, drug abuse, juvenile delinquency are more among latchkey children. Parents however do try out all possible alternatives before letting kids remain in an empty house.

Some parents take up part-time jobs so that they can be at home when their children return from school. For others, joint family helps, and grandparents are the most favoured option. If those deprived of this luxury, have more than one child, they are at ease to a certain extent. As the elder one makes up for the absence of the parents and takes some care of the younger sibling.

A mother says: "Since my parents cannot come and live with us, we have no choice but to leave our children spend time alone until we reach home. The anxiety builds up by the time I finish my work for the day. I tend to wonder every day, if they got back home safe, if they had their afternoon tea or whether they are up to some mischief. It will be bothering me until I see them."

In a tight knit system, neighbours play a great role some concerned neighbours do help working parents by informing them if their children are led astray owing to Bad Company or other circumstances. Some also volunteer to body sit.

Mother of a teenage daughter says: "I make a list of Chores that are to be finished by my daughter every day before we are home. This is the least I can do to help her organize a time schedule for herself. When she wants to go out or spend time with her friends she informs us before leaving. It is just a matter of trust that we have in each other."

The fact remains that a child is prone to depression, irregular food habits, erratic conduct, bad company and repression more when there is none to monitor it. Moreover, if they are left alone from a very young age,  their behaviour is modified and slowly they become insensitive to the surroundings and start lacking the  emotional bond with the family.

One simple suggestion is that, if one has the habit of Drinking, one should make it a point not to have the alcoholic drinks at home. And the same holds if the present   is a smoker. Parents should avoid setting a bad example. . Children are quick to try new things—with the passage of time it becomes a habit.

Reality may be quite different and parents should always keep their eyes open. One cannot just sit back and Say, "I am happy I have a very understanding child who in independent." There could be an underlying problem; winch needs to be addressed without delay.

The character of a child depends on the value system   unconsciously, we give more importance to materialistic values and in the process, forget to teach children the real values of love, honesty, caring and sharing. This, at a later stage, culd has a great impact on the child's character. Children should be allowed to enjoy the innocence and care freeness of childhood.

Parents should often talk to children as listening helps to a great extent and makes them aware of the child's activities. Earlier, parents, sent children to various classes as they wanted some leisure time for themselves. Today, the reasons are different. There seems to be an increasing anxiety among parents to equip children with various skills. And the rush is to acquire the skill somehow rather than doing it for the joy of learning— at the same time acquiring skill and competence. But the risk is a parent overdoing in the process.

There are play schools for kids. There may be a Saturday club for children in the age group 6-15—this is unique in the sense that it builds the child's self- confidence more than anything else. Picnics could be organised from time to time for outings and get-together. The change does immense good.

These kinds of institutions are always welcome as they help build a positive character in the child. Whatever the child does, it is very important that it always feels independent and confident—this is the best way to bring the best out of each child.

A Piece of Advice for the Children/Youngsters

Be sensible and try to understand the situations of your parents. Please, don't torture them by being annoyed with them. It's just an irony for every parent to leave their child alone. Please have a heart!