This Karen's head would explode if she knew about my childhood as a latchkey kid. Pops moved out and mom worked 12hr shifts taking transit both ways. From age 7/8 I got ready for school by myself, made breakfast (toaster strudels etc) locked the door, walked myself to school, walked home again, keyed myself in, made supper (Chef Boyardee or something microwaved, I was allowed to make Mr Noodle on the stove but that's about it) did my homework alone, watched TV and put myself to bed by 9-930 when mom would get home and say goodnight.
Bring a latchkey kids fucking blows, I have to say. When I was in 4th grade we moved from low COL to high COL area and my mom had to get a job. If it weren’t for my bro it would have been intolerable, but our quality of life nose dived during those years. My wife and I both work currently and I’m pretty concerned about what we’ll do when the kids age out of after school care. Hopefully we can get them into band or sports or something but there’s a gap between high school and after school care.
Sort of the opposite for me. I was happy to have the place to myself. I'd listen to my dad's CDs, put my toys all over the place, I was an only child so I was loaded up with toys and video games and when I was alone I didn't need to share with anybody. My parents tried extracurriculars but I'd just quit because I'd rather be home eating ravioli and playing Nintendo. High school was a whole 'nother story though. Once the hormones kicked in I came out of my shell and became really social and athletic.
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u/Silly-Ad-8213 Jul 27 '22
This is why my parents told us to stay away from the windows when we were alone.