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7 year old child left alone whilst dad goes to the shop

329 replies

Pinkie89 · 27/02/2026 16:35

My recently turned 7 year old son has just told me that when he’s at his dad’s, he is sometimes left alone whilst dad goes to the shop. Said shop is a 10 min walk each way. So I’m thinking he’s left alone for a minimum of 30mins! Dad closes the curtains and leaves him a key to get out incase there is a fire.
I am in shock! My son can’t use a key at my house, so I doubt he could use one there! Good forbid something happened. I’m questioning my own judgement but surely this isn’t normal/acceptable? What would you do in this situation? I don’t want to ruin the relationship I have with his dad and make things awkward but I don’t feel like this is something I should have to teach him, as a grown man I’d expect him to know this isn’t ok and very dangerous! Also, he has all week to do his shopping! Or he could grow a pair, realise he’s the parent and tell my son he has to go with him!

OP posts:
StormyLandCloud · 27/02/2026 16:42

You should be professional and calm, ask him, if he says he dos then ask him to take the child in future - it’s not acceptable as it’s not something he’s been used to, 30 minutes is a long time and there’s a lot that can go wrong

plentyofsunshine · 27/02/2026 16:38

Time for a sensible grown up talk with your ex explaining why it's not appropriate for him to do this and asking him not to do it again until your son is in double figures.

rubyslippers · 27/02/2026 16:37

your Ex is an idiot and deeply irresponsible

adlitem · 27/02/2026 16:37

Personally I wouldn't have at that age as it's quite young, but depends on the child.

In other countries this would not be an issue though.