“A latchkey kid is a child who returns to an empty home after school or is often left at home alone because their parents are at work. The term is also used to describe children who must take care of themselves for part of the day. The term "latchkey kid" was coined by Lynette Long, a former elementary and middle school principal. Long noticed her students wearing house keys on chains around their necks and interviewed them.”
Thank you so much! Yeah, boys can travel alone and with just a backpack, sleep outside and take more risks in general. Remember the Cat Stevens song, “Hard World”?
I did all that stuff plus hitchhiked across the US more than once, but I just waited till I'd turned 21. Talk about risks. My mom was bummed. Chopped my own wood, lived off the land, all under 24 yrs. Yeah baby.
Have you written your full story? Please do! I grew up in the semi-rural suburb of Wood Dale. At 15 in 1967 I ran away to New Orleans, where I lived on Skid Row until betrayed by a priest. The details are in my forthcoming book, TEENAGE RUNAWAY, read my latest memoir of the wild 60s here.
Oooo this is exciting. My first exodus was age eight 🤭
Oh, you're surely kidding! Did you really??!?
I did. And left a family party to explore the Black Forest. And asked my parents if I could join the Black Panther Party. I read a lot :)
Alice in wonderland in Germany! Wow! That must've been extraordinary. How did you manage not to get lost?
Always had a good sense of direction. Was the family map reader. Entitled latchkey kid.
Had to look it up.
“A latchkey kid is a child who returns to an empty home after school or is often left at home alone because their parents are at work. The term is also used to describe children who must take care of themselves for part of the day. The term "latchkey kid" was coined by Lynette Long, a former elementary and middle school principal. Long noticed her students wearing house keys on chains around their necks and interviewed them.”
That's it! I learned to cook and water the roof of my home with a garden hose during wildfire season.
Oh how adventurous you were! I didn't partake in my 'offbeat chronicles' until 21. Kudos!
Thank you so much! Yeah, boys can travel alone and with just a backpack, sleep outside and take more risks in general. Remember the Cat Stevens song, “Hard World”?
I did all that stuff plus hitchhiked across the US more than once, but I just waited till I'd turned 21. Talk about risks. My mom was bummed. Chopped my own wood, lived off the land, all under 24 yrs. Yeah baby.
Impressive! 👍
I think your Brazilian adventure was impressive!!!
It hasn't started yet, well…it did. But this is only part 1. Thank you!
Did I miss something about the Rio part?
Have you written your full story? Please do! I grew up in the semi-rural suburb of Wood Dale. At 15 in 1967 I ran away to New Orleans, where I lived on Skid Row until betrayed by a priest. The details are in my forthcoming book, TEENAGE RUNAWAY, read my latest memoir of the wild 60s here.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217442383-party-at-the-end-of-the-rainbow
Yes, many chapters are completed. Thank you for your comment!
It's called wanderlust; I never had it. I could travel through books.
Still got it. ☝️😎
I can't wait to read more!!
Aww…thank you! 🤩