Latch-key kids of the 70s

I am forty years old and was a child of the 70's also. I do remember the decade well. I myself was not a latch-key child but I do feel that I know some of the repercussions that could possibly happen. Children of today are dealing with it also. It is a little different time today being that there are much more problems with the economy and such. Both parents need to work alot and children are home alone and coming home from school to find themselves in an empty house with no guidance or a parent to talk to. I feel that this definitely has an affect on a child. Children need alot of attention and affection and need to feel accepted in this world. It is somewhat of a catch-22. Parents need to work to keep the roof on the children's heads and want to give the children their best and can't be two places at once. I am a stay at home mother of a four year old son. For now I am not working but it is possible I could again someday. I just try my best to be there for my son and hope he is happy whether I work or not.

I was also a latch-key kid in the 1970s when my parents were divorced and my mom had to work. I don't know if I would want that for my own kids if I ever had any. I liked the feeling of freedom that I had, but there were some dangerous people around the neighborhood. I think that's why my mom put me in daycare (even though I was older). Also, I think a parent really needs to stay home with a child or teen and interact with them and guide them. But, I know that sometimes it's not always possible for that to happen.

No I was the reverse, my mum was always home and when I came home from school every day there was a jam sandwich and a glass of milk waiting for me, I guess my mum was a real June Cleaver....