Working parents must assess their own children's needs and explore the various child care options available. Tips for parent whose children stay home alone and alternatives to leaving children alone are offered. (DF)

Checklist to help parents determine whether self-care is appropriate for their children asks whether the child feels secure alone, completes chores, obeys rules, communicates well, lives in a safe area, has a nearby emergency contact, and can telephone a parent. Recommends that parents and children discuss self-care and alternatives. (SM)

Schools need to initiate changes that will aid latchkey parents. Three conditions which need to be addressed are: school personnel's attitude about single parents, accessibility of school personnel to the working adult, and availability of guidance facilities for the student and parent. Programs and modifications in daily classroom operations are…

This article addresses the concerns of parents who must arrange after school day care for their school-age children. Various arrangements, such as after school programs and telephone hotlines, are described, as are steps for implementing such plans. (JL)

Working parents of latchkey children should emphasize that the parents remain in charge, teach basic safety rules in a nonthreatening way, and use the latchkey experience to teach responsibility and self-discipline. Above all, parent-child communication is necessary to minimize danger and make the child feel secure. (IAH)