Gen X Unfiltered: The Truth Behind the Latchkey Kids

Let’s be honest—if you grew up in the late ’60s, ’70s, or ’80s, chances are you were a latchkey kid. You know the drill: you let yourself in after school, made your own snack, watched a little TV (or a lot), and maybe even helped with dinner—all before your parents got home from work.

In our latest podcast episode, Gen X Unfiltered: The Truth Behind the Latchkey Kids, we peeled back the layers of what it meant to grow up in a generation where independence wasn’t a luxury—it was expected. We talked about what that kind of upbringing did to shape us—our work ethic, our emotional walls, our fierce sense of self-reliance, and yes, maybe even our perfectionism and people-pleasing habits.

We laughed about the frozen dinners, the “don’t answer the phone unless it rings twice” rules, and the fact that we all somehow survived without cell phones, bike helmets, or GPS. But we also dug deeper. What was it like to really be that kid who learned to cope, care, and carry on—often in silence?

This episode isn’t just a throwback. It’s a reckoning. A reflection. And, honestly, a bit of a celebration. Because being a latchkey kid may have been hard—but it made us scrappy, strong, and deeply empathetic.

We explored:

• Why so many Gen X women struggle to ask for help
• The difference between independence and isolation
• How childhood survival skills can become adulthood stumbling blocks
• The value of community, healing, and rewriting our narratives now that we’re over fifty

So whether you were raised by a TV dinner and a rotary phone or you’re just now unpacking how those solo afternoons shaped who you are today, this episode is for you.

👀 Watch or Listen to “Gen X Unfiltered: The Truth Behind the Latchkey Kids”
Click here to watch the episode

Let’s keep the conversation going
Were you a latchkey kid too? What do you remember most? Drop us a comment, share your story, or tag us on social media. We’d love to hear how your Gen X experience shaped you.