Leaving children home alone

[yogadeb]

My son is 10 , my hubby is now full on back at work in the construction industry and he works away a lot and I’m not working atm due to working in leisure centres and gyms so I’m at home all the time and doing the homeschooling etc .
I’m wondering if leaving my sensible 10 year old while I go out for a local 20 minute run alone or a dog walk is ok? What do others think ? .
He obviously knows not to answer the door or home phone etc .
I’ve checked online and there’s actually no law stating age kids can be left , as it states each child matures differently. (my son is mature for his age and would just be on his iPad and he has his own personal mobile phone with my number in if he should need me)

Just wondering what she you leave yours ? (no judgement please)

[Rabel]

You are in a difficult place. I bet after all this time the two of you really do want to have some space from each other. As you say it really is down to the child - for me it would be the worry about what they would do if I didn't return in 20 mins. What about slightly shorter periods and work up to 20 mins.

Mine is a lot younger so I don't have any experience to draw upon.

[yogadeb]

Originally Posted by Rabel

You are in a difficult place. I bet after all this time the two of you really do want to have some space from each other. As you say it really is down to the child - for me it would be the worry about what they would do if I didn't return in 20 mins. What about slightly shorter periods and work up to 20 mins.

Mine is a lot younger so I don't have any experience to draw upon.

See more...

Thank you for your reply good idea . My son is a couch potato once on his iPad so I think he wouldn’t move from the sofa ... 😂

[Grumps Mrs]

I can remember being left home alone aged 6 (nearly 7) - I was home from school with mumps and Mum had to collect my brother. The school was maybe a 10 minute walk away.
If your son is sensible then I'd have no problem leaving him for a short time, after all he'll be at high school next year and most of the high school pupils here go home to an empty house on a regular basis.

[sam7]

I left my son alone at that age while I nipped to the corner shop for milk or popped next door for a coffee, he was very sensible. I would say with mobiles phones and very little chance of anyone knocking on your door it will be fine. You will dog walk/jog very locally and can get back to him quickly if he needs you

[yogadeb]

Originally Posted by Grumps Mrs

I can remember being left home alone aged 6 (nearly 7) - I was home from school with mumps and Mum had to collect my brother. The school was maybe a 10 minute walk away.
If your son is sensible then I'd have no problem leaving him for a short time, after all he'll be at high school next year and most of the high school pupils here go home to an empty house on a regular basis.

See more...

Me too ! Back in the 80 ‘s my mum had 2 jobs and I’d often be on my own .
She would also expect us to wash up too ! 😂

[THE WIZARD]

Only you know your son YD. I know from your post your a sensible person & would never put your son at any risk. If I were you I'd explain the situation too him, which you know doubt have, & give him a chance of a bit of grown up independence! Start with a short time then build up. Go for it it would probably do you both good.

[yogadeb]

Originally Posted by sam7

I left my son alone at that age while I nipped to the corner shop for milk or popped next door for a coffee, he was very sensible. I would say with mobiles phones and very little chance of anyone knocking on your door it will be fine. You will dog walk/jog very locally and can get back to him quickly if he needs you

See more...

Thanks , yes he’s super sensible he has a 23 year old sister so grew up really quick , he’s pretty savvy.

[yogadeb]

Originally Posted by THE WIZARD

Only you know your son YD. I know from your post your a sensible person & would never put your son at any risk. If I were you I'd explain the situation too him, which you know doubt have, & give him a chance of a bit of grown up independence! Start with a short time then build up. Go for it it would probably do you both good.

See more...

Thank you

[mrsbenny]

I would. My son is 10 and I would leave in him in the house if my other son at senior school was staying back doing extra studies for exams. Probably a 30 minute round trip.