latchkey child

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Definitions from WordNet

Noun latchkey child has 1 sense

latchkey child - 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)
--₁ is a kind of schoolchild, school-age child, pupil

Definitions from the Web

Latchkey Child

Definition:

A latchkey child is a term used to describe a child who is typically of school age and returns home from school to an empty house because their parents or guardians are working.

Senses:

Sense 1: Noun - A child who is entrusted to take care of themselves for a period of time after school.

Sense 2: Adjective - Relating to or characteristic of a child who is a latchkey child.

Usage:

Popular Usage: Many latchkey children are responsible, independent, and accustomed to self-care.

Local Usage: In our neighborhood, latchkey children are common due to the high number of working parents.

Sample Sentences:

Emily's parents both work full-time, so she became a latchkey child and had to let herself in after school.
As a latchkey child, it was important for Jake to follow the safety rules set by his parents.
The latchkey child program provided after-school activities and supervision for kids whose parents couldn't be home right away.

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