All countries develop their own unique culture and many countries have similar cultural characteristics which vary from country to country. More often than not, different cultures around the world may share similar ideas, but they are shaped into their own version to fit the culture of that particular society. In China, there is a large population of “left-behind” children. In Chinese culture, it is morally acceptable for heads of households to leave their children behind so that they can care for themselves and their family members. Parents in these families move to more urban areas of the country in order to earn more money and provide their families with a better life. There is a similar cultural idea in the United States and these children are called the “Latchkey children”. Latchkey children are children who come home after school and are left alone without parental supervision until their parents return from work. This phenomenon became common during World War II, when one parent was drafted for the war and the other parent was forced to find employment to support the family. Today, it is quite common for both parents to be employed, and prices for after-school care continue to rise. According to America After 3PM, one in twenty-five children in kindergarten through fifth grade take care of themselves after school. Parents feel guilty about leaving their children at home for a few hours a day, but it's often the only option. Latchkey children in history It is difficult to imagine children as young as five years old coming home from school on their own and letting themselves into an empty house. . This was the reality for many children during the war. The term “latchkey children” appeared during World War II. During ...... middle of paper ...... leave their child alone. Works Cited Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2013). What is child abuse and neglect? Recognize the signs and symptoms. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau. Retrieved from https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/whatiscan.pdfOffice on Child Abuse and Neglect, Children's Bureau., Caliber Associates. Crosson Tower, Cynthia. (2003). The Role of Educators in Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect: Chapter 4 - Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect. Retrieved from https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/educator/educatord.cfm http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-charges/child-abandonment.html#sthash.mTEcZH5u.dpuf http://www .leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=pen&group=00001-01000&file=270-273.75 http://www.ehow.com/about_6594136_california-can-left-home-alone_.html