Leaving kids at 5am alone

Depends on the kids, doesn't it. Sensible, mature, and at that time most definitely asleep? Meh.

I think that's fine at that age

I think it's fine as long as the kids know she is going, so don't wake up worried about where she is.
Presumably she is back in time to get them up and ready for school. Seems like an ideal time actually!

I can't see the problem.

Yes I think it is fine - depending on the kids.

Also, I don't see what's relevant about the stalker-ex?

At that age I don’t think there’s a problem as long as they know and can get hold of her if need be.

It's fine.

Its absolutely fine

Sounds fine as long as they are happy to be left. In fact I have debated doing the same myself but I don't think my eldest would like it as its still dark then.

If the 12 yr old is getting himself to high school and back I would’ve thought it was fine.

That's fine. They're presumably asleep then?

At that age kids are going to school alone, some have keys to come home alone for a few hours before their parents get in from work. They also could be spending portions of the holidays alone as I don't hear of kids going to childminders at that age. It's fine.

What is the relevance of the ex and the stalking thing?

Are you happy to be a point of contact for the children, if she isn't back at a certain time?

That's the only issue, with the stalker ex, that someone would know to report if she went 'missing' etc.

If he is still stalking obv that may be a problem otherwise totally fine re ages.

The stalker problem is an issue if he targets her kids or something happens to her whilst she is out, and they are at home unsure what to do. I don’t think either of these scenarios are likely to happen.

Can't see an issue with it. That's a great age to start teaching them how to be more independent so an hour alone at 5am won't hurt them.

Leaving an 11 and 12 year old alone for an hour is fine.

With a stalker, no. With the ages and the timing if there were no problems otherwise then I would if I took mobile phone with me and was then back in plenty of time to give them breakfast and a bit of quality time before school.

Totally fine.

It's fine at that age.

You could always offer yourself to pop over and sit by yourself for an hour if it bothers you.

Yeah 12 and 11 is fine, kids that age walk to school alone or go to the park alone etc so why not stay at home alone for an hour which is even safer?

Of course it's fine.

If an 11 and 12 yo can't be left for one hour then there is a problem.