latchkey child

noun

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

latchkey child

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of latchkey child¹

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

A latchkey child from an early age, she played a lot of soccer, read a lot of books, and smoked a lot of pot.

From New York Times

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

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

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 Literature

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