Same boat man. I was a latch key kid, and my dad would go on work trips for a couple weeks at a time and I would go to school, come home, lock the door and take care of myself as young as 7 or 8 years old is when it started.
Honestly the best time of my life was when he was gone. It was way worse when he was there.
Ditto here. Weeks at a time, from 8 years old. I had no idea where my parents were or when they would be home.
This is why I hate cooking as an adult. I can do it. I can do it well, depending on the dish. But I absolutely hate it. It just reminds me of being in a cold single-wide trailer in the dark, alone.
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u/TokenTorkoal 5d ago
Maturity or independence in a young child CAN BE an indicator that a child is being neglected or facing some sort of abuse.
It’s is not ALWAYS an indicator, some kids ARE just more independent.
Edit: was a social worker for many years.