Latchkey Child (Noun)
Meaning
A school-age child who is home without adult supervision for part of the day (especially after school until a parent returns home from work).
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The latchkey child organized their afternoon around homework, TV, and snacks until their mother came home.
- As a latchkey child, she had grown accustomed to spending three hours alone at home after school each day.
- The neighbors kept an eye on the latchkey child next door, even though she said she was old enough to take care of herself.
- Since both parents worked long hours, their son had become a latchkey child, shouldering responsibilities beyond his years.
- By age 10, Emma was a responsible latchkey child who could prepare simple meals and do her homework without supervision until her parents came home.