49. Provide an After-School Alternative for a Latchkey Kid

Many children (8 percent, or 1.6 million five- to 14-year-olds) are “latchkey” kids—they spend some or all of their after-school hours home alone.²⁰

Your family can invite a latchkey child to spend time at your home with your supervision after school. If this is not an option, invite your family to purchase a membership for the latchkey child at the local YMCA. The child will then have somewhere safe to go after school until his or her parents are home. There’s no greater assistance your family can provide than to offer a safe haven for a child.

Up for Discussion

Discuss with your parents why it was important to offer your home to a latchkey child. If you chose to purchase a YMCA membership for a child, discuss how this will positively impact the child and his or her parents.

Read Luke 18:16-17. Why are children very important to Jesus? The Bible paints a delightful picture of Jesus and His kindness and listening ear toward children. Imagine how it must have been to gather at His feet, spend time with Him, and listen to Him speak. Discuss the safe haven He provides for us in heaven.

Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.

—Luke 18:16-17