Latchkey Kid — What Does It Mean?

Latchkey Kid — What Does It Mean?

Grammar Drops
by Sergio Viula

Have you heard the expression “latchkey kid”?

It is a common term in English, especially in American culture. Let’s understand it in a simple way!

What is a latchkey kid?

A latchkey kid is a child who comes home from school and stays alone for some time because their parents or caregivers are still at work.

The child usually:

• has a key

• opens the door alone

• stays home without adults for a few hours

Latch = fechadura da porta
Key = chave

Latchkey kid = a child who unlocks the door and takes care of themselves for a while

Typical things a latchkey kid does

A latchkey kid...

• unlocks the door

• makes a simple snack

• watches TV

• does homework

• waits for their parents

Example sentences

• I was a latchkey kid when I was 9 years old.

• Many latchkey kids learn to be independent early.

• After school, she goes home alone. She is a latchkey kid.

Is it a bad word?

No.

•  It is neutral.
•  Sometimes it sounds nostalgic.
•  It can show independence, but also less supervision.

Context is important!

How can we explain it in Portuguese?

There is no exact translation, but we can say:

• criança que chega em casa sozinha

• criança que fica sozinha depois da escola

🠊 a kid who + verb (simple present)

• a kid who stays alone

• a child who comes home early

What about you? Were you a latchkey kid? What did you use to do to pass time while your parents were out?