Just wondering ..

[sherrardk]

At what age would you leave one of your children at home alone while you did the school run (about 20 minutes) or went to the local shop? Thanks.

[tiggerblue10]

Hi Sherrard, my mum use to leave me at home on my own from about 10 onwards but this was back in 81. I think things have changed but it may also depend on maturity of the child.

[Answerprancer]

It would depend on their individual level of maturity and awareness IMO.
I've met 10 year old kids that I would feel happy about leaving home alone for an hour but I've also met 16 year olds that I wouldn't.

[ummmm]

20 mins is no time if they have a computer and a mobile phone.

[sherrardk]

Just looking for some reassurance really - I left the ten year old home today for under half an hour (he is scarily mature) but I was wondering if I should have.

[Prudie]

I think about 11 or 12. Times do change, I was left alone in the evenings while my parents went out from the age of about 7. If I'd done that to my daughter my mother would have gone mad.

[ummmm]

I would have....it's not like it use to be. They have technology now....so the chances are they don't move from their seat. Just be worried about the computer blowing up..!!

[what..the?]

so there was no problems on your return? well that answers the question doesn't it,

does he know what to do in the event of fire, flood-stop cock, injury, breakin?

[ummmm]

Mine do....run to the corner shop as quick as you can.

[annie0000]

I have a 10 and 9 year old and I haven't left either in the house on their own yet, but I feel the time is approaching. I couldn't leave them both though as too much capacity for mischief. What I worry about is more something happening to me when I am out, e.g. flat tyre or something and not being back in the 20 minutes. I have left them for a few minutes playing in the street with a neighbour being aware that I am out, if for example I am nipping round the corner to get the other one home from a friends.

[sherrardk]

Thanks for all your answers.

What..the? He knows not to answer the door or the phone. I took my mobile with me and I was only in the village and could have been back home in under five minutes (it is a very small village). He also knows to phone my friend who lives about ten doors away if something untoward happens.

[ummmm]

Annie - you don't let them walk back by themself?

[annie0000]

...and they both have mobile phones but don't use them and they don't answer the house phone so chances of being able to communicate with them if I was out are zero!

[annie0000]

Ummm - yes I do, but they don't always come back when they are supposed to - so I go to drag them back.

[what..the?]

good to know I don't have children so it's interesting to learn things like this for when I do.

So are children worth all the trouble then lol?

[annie0000]

They are free to walk/cycle etc round our estate but not go over the main road to the next estate. Silly really that they can be out and about on their own, but leaving them in the house seems worse. no idea why.

[sherrardk]

Hi what..the? I think they are worth all the trouble. I wasn't going to have any and now we have five.

[ummmm]

Oh...Ok. Good...I hate to see them wrapped in cotton wool.

Sher - I was travelling 4 miles to school on my own at about 7 y/o. Kids are not as daft as we think.

[ummmm]

Annie - There are more dangers in the house. I remember leaving the chip pan on and it burst into flames. Luckily around the time the chip pan danger adverts were on so managed to put it out.

[annie0000]

I think it depends how confident they are too. My younger son is more comfortable with going places on his own, but the elder has had repeated episodes of bullying so he doesn't always feel happy without an adult nearby which is understandable. To get to one of his friends he has to go past the house of one of the boys that bullies him so he only goes to that friend if his brother is going that way too or if we walk round with him.

[what..the?]

lol 5 I might have 1-2 couldn't face much more if lucky twins get it the pregnancy over with lol

I know this is a stupid point but don't you think kids should know where the stop-cock is because a bust water pipe or such can cause huge damage unless the childs already started a fire and then bobs your uncle