It’s not news that there can be many problems of latchkey living.

Researchers find that 51% of “latchkey kids” are doing poorly in school. Meanwhile, the study by the Carnegie Council on teenager development shows that children going home alone after school for 11 hours or more each week are twice as likely to use drugs and alcohol.

Are there any positives of latchkey living? Yes, says Renee Peterson Trudeau, an internationally recognized life balance coach. “Some of the most successful people were latchkey kids growing up,” she says. “Young people who are allowed more freedom to be on their own often become more independent.”

Are you a parent of “latchkey kids”? Here are some tips for you to make your children’s home-alone life a safe, growing opportunity.

●Keep in touch. Always make sure your child can reach you. For example, have your child call you when he gets home from school, and then call him as you’re leaving work.

●Keep busy. It’s not a bad idea to have your kids feed the pet or water the flowers before you get home. Chores teach them responsibility.

●Keep an eye. If you have a neighbor, kindly ask her if she could pay attention from time to time. This makes you know whether your child is telling the truth.

●Keep communication. Take the time to keep up with how your kid’s afternoons are going.

Make sure he is clear of your time-alone rules for him, especially around screen time and homework.

“If you follow the suggestions above, you shouldn’t feel regretful for being a working parent.” Renee says. “They are more confident around problem solving.”

【推荐3】Many people believe that toys are mainly made for kids. When we grow up, we should put away such childish things.

But now many grown-ups are getting them out again.

According to data from the market research firm NPD Group, toys bought by people over the age of 12 account for 23 percent of the European market. Among them, adults are still the main force. In 2019, Beijing’s Toy Show attracted tens of thousands of visitors, including many grown-ups.

But why are adults interested in these seemingly “childish” things?

Toys can “bring back happy childhood memories” noted website SWNS Digital. Many adults are under a lot of pressure at home and at work. Items that they were familiar with in childhood can remind them of easier times.

Rob Willner, 25, is one such person who finds solace in items from the past. At his home in London, he keeps two boxes of loose childhood Lego tucked away under a bed, as well as various large “sentimental” models on shelves in his house.

When he comes home after a hard day, he often plays with the toys. “It reminds me of the playful side of life, but also helps me to keep perspective. Lego isn’t great, but it’s fun, and helps you to think about what’s really important,” he told The Telegraph.

There is another reason for the rise in popularity of toys among adults. This pastime offers pressure-free creativity. Even hobbies such as baking and painting can be shadowed by the worry that the results will fail to please other people. Dressing up a doll or playing with a model train set doesn’t come with a lot of pressure to please others.

It seems that adults are no longer taking their childhood freedom for granted. After all, just as UK artist David Hockney said,“Play is serious.”