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Latchkey kid

Posted by David FG on May 09, 2009 at 08:28

In Reply to: Latchkey kid posted by Justine Petrie on May 09, 2009 at 07:28:

: What is the meaning of 'a latchkey kid' and where does it originate?

It is a name given to children whose parents are away from the family home working, so they are given their own key to let themselves into the house or whatever. Basically, they are children who are left to fend for themselves while their parents work.

Whatever the individual circumstances, it is not generally a term of approbation.

DFG

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