Youth Window of Opportunity By Synithia Williams, Regional Extension Agent, St. Clair County

The school bell rings in the afternoon and the family arrives home in the evening. This common scenario coincides with certain experts identifying the "critical hours."

Where are the kids or youth in your family between the critical hours of 3:00-6:00 p.m.? What are they engaged in? These are good questions for families to consider since society is saturated with dual parent working households.

The United States (US) Department of Labor cites that 28 million school-aged children have parents that work outside the home. In related statistics, the US Census Bureau finds that an estimated 15 million "latch-key" kids turn keys to empty homes on most school days. The critical hours have become an increasing issue of concern because this range of time, also known as after-school hours, is the period when youth crime and risky behavior escalates.

Many studies yield similar findings. Bottom line conclusions are that latch-key kids have been found to be significantly more at-risk for substance abuse, teen pregnancies, accidents and injuries, crimes, lower grades, obesity, and truancies. Today's generation of parents or guardians may feel they are facing a "rock and a hard place" dilemma: financially providing for their children and protecting them during the time period that some law enforcers caution as the "danger zone."

Since working at home or being a stay-at-home parent is not a feasible option for a lot of families, a family dialogue may need to begin in order to figure out just what measures can be taken to give concerned parents more of a peace of mind in regard to this issue. Here are some suggestions to get the discussion started:

After School Programs: Many after school programs pride themselves in providing safe places where kids receive academic and cultural enrichment, supervision, physical exercise, and the opportunity to build leadership skills. These programs can be found at the school your child attends, on the job, or within the neighborhood at local churches or community centers.

School Activities: There are several extracurricular organizations and activities that meet after school. Parents or children could inquire about school activities with the appropriate school personnel, and then discuss these options as a family.

Volunteering: There are volunteer opportunities available with Extension, at animal shelters, museums, hospitals, or other locations, including seasonal efforts that present themselves within most communities.

Work: Finding a job can also be a great way for youth to spend these hours and to earn money, while learning valuable lessons or employment skills.

Skill tasks: These are endeavors that may not have the age limitations of traditional jobs, such as babysitting and tutoring.

Take up a talent: Many communities are filled with opportunities for dance lessons, karate, and more. Depending on price, this may prove to be a perfect fit for families.

Coordination among family members, neighbors, and close friends: Many families are in the same situation; thus, this may be an issue that can be worked out through networking with neighbors and friends. By the same token, many families solve this dilemma through the participation of relatives who often assist with the sitting needs of family youth.

Old-fashion communication: Regardless of whether the previous options are employed, perhaps the strongest and most accessible aid is keeping the bridge of communication open in regard to discussing concerns that peak during these "critical hours."

Law enforcement agencies have referred to this after school period as the "danger zone," while psychologists and other experts have named this time of day "the critical hours." Perhaps, the hours that are sandwiched between the time kids leave school and when parents arrive home are to be best regarded as "a window of opportunity." What opportunities are available will depend upon decisions made by parents or guardians. Investments into these hours as well as the expanded hours during the weekend and summer, can be one of the greatest made in a family as well as the community in which all families reside.

References
The Social Venture Capital Foundation, Inc. (2006). Teenage risk factors: Drinking, smoking, early sex & weapon use. Retrieved December 20, 2007.

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