After-school daycare is hard to find. When it is available, it is very expensive. This means that most of us really have no alternative but to be away from our children at times when they might need us. Obviously, it usually isn't a choice, and self-care is sometimes not a good alternative. On the other hand, many, if not most, children 11 or older can manage after school.
Children can, if protected by a set of ground rules, learn to be responsible for themselves.
Depending on your situation and what your children are like, ground rules will vary. The idea is that parent and child understand what to expect, how to deal with the expected, and what to do when the unexpected comes up. Rules can't cover every situation, and that's why it's important that children know how to contact you at work. We can help direct you to other resources. Inc. Other trademarks property of their respective holders.