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Original poster

Leaving 9 year olds home alone

62 replies

Itsrainingten · 31/05/2024 09:51

Would you leave 9 year old twin boys home along for half an hour? I want to go to a gym class that starts at 7.30, meaning I'd have to leave about 7.10 to get their in time. Their dad gets home at 7.30 or 7.45 depending on the trains. The kids are fine with it but I'm not sure. Would you?

OP posts:
Comedycook · 31/05/2024 10:09

No, 9 is too young imo.

MinervaMcGonagallsCat · 31/05/2024 10:07

If sensible. Yes.

Original poster
Itsrainingten · 31/05/2024 10:02

Wouldn't bother getting anyone else in because it's just a gym class. I could just miss it. Not worried about DH missing the train though. He'd be on it before it left, so if it was cancelled or he missed it then I'd know and wouldn't go
They're pretty sensible. They'd happily sit and play Minecraft. I just worry in case something (not sure what!) unexpected happened.
They do fight but not physically usually. They know how to call my mobile in an emergency but then if have to get back so would be a wait.

OP posts:
IncognitoUsername · 31/05/2024 09:56

Personally I wouldn’t unless it was an emergency. Have you got a friend/neighbour who can sit with them till Dad gets home?

PuttingDownRoots · 31/05/2024 09:56

You know your 9yos. We don't. Some 9yos would be fine, a lot won't.
Complicated by the fact there's two of them... peer pressure for mischief or support for issues?

rubyslippers · 31/05/2024 09:55

Think it’s a bit young
would they sit and watch telly? Are they well behaved?

2chocolateoranges · 31/05/2024 09:55

At 9 no I wouldn’t.

what happens if your dh misses the train , or you are in an accident on way to gym. The twins could fall out and start arguing etc. not worth the hassle of what ifs that could go wrong.

ExasperatedManager · 31/05/2024 09:55

No, I think it's too young personally. Their dad could easily be delayed so you couldn't bank on it being only half an hour.

Can you pay a local teenager to keep an eye on them?

PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 31/05/2024 09:54

For 30 mins? Yes

Original poster
Itsrainingten · 31/05/2024 09:54

It's a one off actually. They're usually at cubs at that time. So I drop them on the way to the gym and collect them on my way home. Works great. But cubs isn't on next week so I'm wondering whether to still go.

OP posts:
RandomButtons · 31/05/2024 09:54

Personally no.

Sapphire387 · 31/05/2024 09:52

If they are generally sensible then yes, I would. Not every day. But if it was once or twice a week then yes.