Self-Care - TeachersAndFamilies

Self-Care
Children Home Alone
By Kaira M. Hayes, MS

Introduction

Parent Concerns

Is My Child Ready?

Successful Self-Care

Special Case: Siblings

References

Parental Concerns About Self-Care

Like many parents, you are probably concerned and anxious about leaving your child in self-care. Research suggests that most parents are reluctant to put their child in self-care, but feel they have no other choice either because there are no other affordable and appropriate options or options available are disliked intensely by their children who are pushing for their own independence.

Parental concerns about the effects of self-care are justified. Research indicates that children in self-care are at greater risk for engaging in risky behaviors such drug use, alcohol use, smoking, and sexual activity. Children in self-care are also at greater risk for behavioral and academic problems at school. In addition, some research suggests that children in self-care show poor emotional adjustment and are at increased risk for feelings of rejection and depression. However, despite the potential for these negative outcomes, the research also shows that most children do not have negative experiences.

What you really need to know is how to structure the self-care arrangement for your child to reduce the likelihood of negative behavioral and emotional effects. The purpose of this article is to give you the information you need to make the best decisions for your child's care.

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Kaira M. Hayes, MS, is an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department at Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS, and near completion of a PhD in clinical psychology from Drexel University, Philadelphia. This article was prepared for inclusion in the forthcoming second edition of Helping Children at Home and School (National Association of School Psychologists).
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