> because the parental neglect let them develop a sense of independence. Parental neglect is an incredibly strong (and I'd argue biased) word to use here if we

> because the parental neglect let them develop a sense of independence. Parental neglect is an incredibly strong (and I'd argue biased) word to use here if we're using the articles definition of a latch key kid. The article says "3.5 million latchkey kids in the U.S., or seven per cent of those between the ages of 5 and 13". There's a massive difference between a 5 year old being home alone for a few hours each day and a teenager being home alone for a few hours. Even more so if, like it says in the article, there's support systems in place (like a neighbor that can be contacted in case of an emergency) and an established pattern (the kid isn't just unexpectedly home alone). An 8 year old unexpectedly left home alone for an unknown amount of time without any support system could absolutely be called neglect (although it makes a great Christmas movie), but a 16 year old in an empty house from 2:30-5 every day with a full fridge and friendly neighbors next door is completely reasonable and (IMO) a healthy way to let them develop independence.