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It’s not news that there can be many problems of latchkey living.

Researchers find that 51% of “latchkey kids” are doing poorly in school. Meanwhile, the study by the Carnegie Council on teenager development shows that children going home alone after school for 11 hours or more each week are twice as likely to use drugs and alcohol.

Are there any positives of latchkey living? Yes, says Renee Peterson Trudeau, an internationally recognized life balance coach. “Some of the most successful people were latchkey kids growing up,” she says. “Young people who are allowed more freedom to be on their own often become more independent.”

Are you a parent of “latchkey kids”? Here are some tips for you to make your children’s home-alone life a safe, growing opportunity.

●Keep in touch. Always make sure your child can reach you. For example, have your child call you when he gets home from school, and then call him as you’re leaving work.

●Keep busy. It’s not a bad idea to have your kids feed the pet or water the flowers before you get home. Chores teach them responsibility.

●Keep an eye. If you have a neighbor, kindly ask her if she could pay attention from time to time. This makes you know whether your child is telling the truth.

●Keep communication. Take the time to keep up with how your kid’s afternoons are going.

Make sure he is clear of your time-alone rules for him, especially around screen time and homework.

“If you follow the suggestions above, you shouldn’t feel regretful for being a working parent.” Renee says. “They are more confident around problem solving.”