staying home

[Bear24]

at what age would you leave your child for a couple of hours home alone ? I have 2 children aged 15 ( who does stay at home sometimes for a few hours) and 11 year old who wants to stay at home when i nip to sainsburys etc at mo i take him with me but he soon starts senior school and wants to stay on own... what age would you think ok ?

[sleepyj]

yes 11 is ok to leave him i , leave my sons for a while no problem i just tell them not to answer door to anyone they dont know and dont touch the cooker and muck about with anything . i also tell them to ring me any problems . i would not leave him on hes own in evening .but a few hours in day no problem he is 12 .

[PinkFizz]

I think that I left my 12 year old on his own for half hour etc whilst I nipped to local shops, Now he is almost 14 I think he can be left for a few hours as long as he doesn't answer door.

[Bear24]

Thank you for your comments, i would never leave him in the evening but maybe feel that popping out for half hr ok.

[HeathRa]

It really comes down to what you and your child are comfortable with. Start with small increments of time and gradually let him stay alone for longer and longer periods. If he's mature enough to handle it you'll know. Make sure you set reasonable rules (no cooking, no one comes over, etc.) and that you're accessible by phone if he gets nervous or has any questions. Until you're both comfortable with it, don't travel too far. Not sure how long it takes you to nip in to Sainsburys, but if you can be home in 10-15 minutes in case of emergency, or whatever time frame makes you comfortable, start there.