Latchkey

/ˈlæʧki/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A key for a latch, especially one that allows a person to enter a building without being escorted.

She always kept a latchkey in her purse so she could get into her house after school.

A child who is left at home alone after school because their parents are at work.

Latchkey kids often have to take care of themselves until their parents return from work.

A term referring to the social phenomenon where children are unsupervised for significant periods of time while their parents are working.

The rising number of latchkey children has raised concerns about child safety in urban areas.

Middle English 'latch' + 'key'.

latchkey kid

A child who has a key to their home and is often left alone after school.

latchkey syndrome

The emotional and social challenges faced by children who are left home alone.

independence

The state of being self-sufficient and able to manage without assistance.

supervision

The act of watching or overseeing someone or something.

Refers to children who come home to an empty house.

He's a latchkey kid, so he usually has to make his own dinner.

Used to describe a generation of children who were often unsupervised.

Latchkey generation refers to those who grew up during the 1970s when parents worked longer hours.