The booklet is based on information from a 1984 conference on school-age latchkey children (those who take care of themselves during the out-of-school hours). An introduction notes controversies in terminology and focuses the discussion on what self-care means to the experiences of childhood. The first two chapters discuss the impact that having…

Discusses the differing study findings regarding the impact of self-care on children. Describes the "Balancing Work and Family Life" project, which tested a self-care preparation curriculum designed to teach children and parents the skills necessary for safety and survival in self-care settings. (SO)