latchkey child

American  

noun

1. a child who must spend at least part of the day alone and unsupervised, as when the parents are away at work.

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latchkey child British  

noun

1. a child who has to let himself or herself in at home on returning from school, as his or her parents are out at work

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Etymology

Origin of latchkey child

First recorded in 1940–45; so called because such a child is provided with a key for getting into the home after school

Example Sentences

As a latchkey child of divorced parents growing up near Syracuse, Muir took comfort from the news “family” that appeared on his television each evening.

From Washington Times • Sep. 1, 2014

As a latchkey child of divorced parents growing up near Syracuse, Muir took comfort from the news "family" that appeared on his television each evening.

From US News • Sep. 1, 2014

I noted an available guideline: the National SafeKids Campaign recommends that - and added that I was a latchkey child at 6 or 7, and loved it.

From New York Times • Jun. 28, 2012

And as working mums became more common in the 60s and 70s, the phenomenon of the latchkey child returned, according to a report by the campaign group 4Children.

From BBC • May 26, 2010

He and I are going to help Mom practice every single night, which is why I’m sitting at my desk instead of watching after-school TV, which is a birthright of every latchkey child.

From "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead