Latchkey kids were a generation of Gen X children who were left to their own devices due to their parents’ work schedules. They sometimes found themselves in situations that tested their creativity, resourcefulness, and occasionally their safety. With no adults around to supervise them, these Gen X children embarked on adventures that ranged from comical to downright risky.
From misguided attempts at cooking to impromptu backyard science experiments, the antics of latchkey kids showcased both their ingenuity and occasional lapses in judgment. Here are some of the craziest things latchkey Gen Xers used to get up to while unsupervised.
1. Kitchen Mishaps
Many latchkey kids were responsible for making themselves and their siblings dinner before their parents got home. Without proper adult supervision in the kitchen, mishaps were bound to occur. Sometimes kids would forget about their snacks in the toaster or oven, resulting in a burnt, smoky mess. Weird food combinations were also common, such as cereal and whipped cream according to Food Republic.
2. Dangerous Experiments
Bored latchkey kids mixed household items for fun, sometimes leading to dangerous chemical reactions. One Redditor recalled a time when they accidentally mixed bleach and ammonia in the garage, creating a noxious gas. When dad pulled in, they got in trouble and were grounded for 2 weeks for their shenanigans. Sounds like fair punishment for creating dangerous fumes instead of doing their homework!
3. Climbing on the Roof
According to Buzzfeed, another dangerous thing latchkey kids did while unsupervised was climb on the roof. Some kids would sit up there and read or hang out, potentially risking serious injury if they slipped and fell. Others got up to shenanigans like throwing water balloons at passing cars from their high perch. Gen X kids even scaled the roof to let themselves into their houses through an open window when they forgot their keys.
4. Watching Things They Weren’t Supposed To
Another common activity latchkey kids engaged in after school was watching things they shouldn’t. Even if their parents didn’t allow TV before homework, latchkey kids would sneak in a show or two. They’d also watch shows that were supposed to be off-limits, like MTV, Jerry Springer, or R-rated scary movies. Luckily this forbidden activity wasn’t as dangerous or crazy as some of the other items on the list. But it still might’ve resulted in punishment if their parents found out!
5. Digging Holes
Many latchkey kids also enjoyed digging holes when their parents were away. One person recalled pretending they were an archaeologist looking for fossils or buried treasure in the backyard. Another latchkey kid dug a huge hole in the ground that was the size of a hot tub and tried to fill it with water to create a swimming pool. Of course, their parents weren’t impressed when they got home and saw the huge mess they’d created!
6. Dog Shows
Another common activity was putting on a dog show. Dressing up the dog in scarves and clothing was a fun pastime for bored latchkey kids. Some would even go as far as giving the dog a haircut or painting its nails. When mom and dad got home, they weren’t always thrilled about this DIY dog grooming!
7. Mischievous Behavior
Without supervision, some kids engaged in pranks or vandalism, causing trouble in the neighborhood. As mentioned above, one mischievous kid threw water balloons at passing cars from the roof. Playing Ding Dong Ditch was also a common way to annoy the neighbors. Now that there are doorbell cameras all around town, kids can’t get into the same kind of mischief without their parents finding out.
8. Secret Hideouts and Forts
Latchkey kids loved to make secret hideouts and forts, both inside and outside. Children gathered up big sticks to make lean-tos in the woods. Inside they assembled blankets, pillows, and sheets to make elaborate forts in the living room or basement. Some latchkey kids were a bit afraid to be home alone, so these forts gave them a safe space they felt comfortable in until their parents returned.
9. Appliance Misuse
Without adult supervision, sometimes latchkey kids misused appliances, either intentionally or accidentally. One adult told Buzzfeed they put metal in the microwave when they were seven. They didn’t know any better and were just trying to make macaroni and cheese, but recalled almost burning the house down. Another kid took a short joyride in the dryer, which luckily didn’t result in any injuries.
10. DIY Hair Disasters
Left to their own devices, some latchkey kids decided to play hairdresser. Groups of friends or siblings might attempt to give each other haircuts using kitchen scissors. Unsurprisingly the results were unsatisfactory, resulting in botched, uneven hairstyles. These DIY salon disasters usually required emergency trips to the hair salon.
11. Art Projects
Children often created art projects without supervision when they got home from school. This sometimes resulted in messes that were difficult to clean up, such as paint spills all over the carpet. Some mishaps were accidental, while others might have been more intentional, like drawing on the walls. Either way, parents weren’t happy to find these color explosions when they got home!
12. Exploratory Excursions
Another crazy thing latchkey kids did while unsupervised was venture into forbidden areas. Adventurous children sometimes explored potentially unsafe places like abandoned homes and construction sites. Although they often came out unscathed without injuries, they put themselves in danger by going places they shouldn’t. They also risked getting in trouble with the authorities for trespassing.
13. Online Activities
As home computers and the internet started to gain popularity, unsupervised Millennials began spending time online after school. Tweens and teenagers used chat rooms to communicate with friends. Sometimes they also conversed with people they didn’t know or pretended to be adults, potentially putting themselves in unsafe online situations. Now parents understand the dangers of the internet and monitor their kids’ online activities much more closely.
14. Playing With Fire
At times, latchkey kids literally played with fire. Teens who had access to fireworks sometimes decided to set them off after school. Some unsupervised children also tried to start bonfires on their own. Both of these activities were very dangerous, demonstrating the serious trouble kids can get into when left to their own devices.
15. Unsupervised Swimming
Another dangerous thing latchkey kids did while unsupervised was swim. Children who had access to a pool, creek, or lake sometimes rounded up their friends and went for a dip. This was especially common during the summer when it was hot outside. Swimming without adult supervision could lead to drowning, making this an unwise decision with potentially dire consequences.
16. Secret Stash Discoveries
Latchkey kids sometimes stumbled upon their parents’ hidden stashes of items, leading to curiosity or even accidental breakages. Children sometimes happened upon magazines that weren’t age-appropriate. Girls also enjoyed playing with adult makeup and perfume, often making a mess in the process. Hosting a fashion show and trying on their parents’ clothes was also a common pastime.
It’s a Good Thing Kids Have More Supervision
Nowadays social norms have shifted to putting kids in aftercare or summer camp instead of letting them roam the neighborhood. Thank goodness today’s kids have more supervision and can’t get up to these dangerous antics! From swimming without adults around to misusing appliances, it’s a wonder how Gen X latchkey kids survived. The fact that they made it through their childhoods unscathed is a testament to their resilience, street smarts, and good luck.
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Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance and lifestyle writer. When she’s not busy writing about her favorite money saving hacks or tinkering with her budget spreadsheets, she likes to travel, garden, and cook healthy vegetarian meals.