Would you leave a 9yo home alone for 90mins?

[stripeyknickersspottysocks]

I'm wanting to go out this evening to a friend's house, only 3 doors away. Kids not invited. DD is happy to be home on her own and she says if she needs me she'll ring or come over. She knows how to unlock the door if she wanted to come and get me or house catches fire. It would be early evening so not dark and we live in a nice area so not expecting the house to get firebombed or anything. She's sensible enough not to play with matches, cook, get knives out, etc.

IF you are only a few doors away no problem at all IMO.

yes

I would, so long as it wasn't dark and if the child is sensible. But i suspect I am the only mumsnetter who would, so brace yourself!

I left my 9 year old at home alone this morning while I took his big sister to Scout Camp. I was away about an hour - and I was about 6 miles away.

Yes.
I leave my 8 yo DS at home when I have to go to the shop and he would rather stay in to read or watch TV.

Definitely - as long as she's ok with it, as my 9yr old dd is.

Yes, if you are a few doors away.

Yes I would if it helps you to make your decision ds3 who is 9 is HE and last year (obviously then he was 8) it was suggested from the H.E LEA advisor person that he should be left alone for short periods,to build up his skills.

Don't see the problem. We've taken 8 as the starting point for the kids being left alone for short periods (when we go food shopping etc), and 90 mins is about the max I would leave a 9yr old (if without an older sibling). I think it's good for kids to be given small doses of trust, gradually increasing as they mature.

No. My 9 year old is a boy.

Yes in principle but it very much depends on the individual child.

Wow - what an encouraging thread! Where are all the what iffers?

My DS is 10 but left him when he was 9 when I used to take his youngr brother to swimming lessons for half an hour.

Dont see waht bein a boy has to do with it Sorrento

Yes, if you are only doors away. I wouldn't if it was further, though.

Thanks, will do it. Will pop back half way through to check she's ok.

Yes, definitely.

SixtyFootDoll - because girls are often more mature than boys.

Am I the only person to think no way?

Can't you take her to your friend's and let her go up to your friend's room and read up there?

Your friend shouldn't say 'no kids' when she knows that means you leaving your child alone. What harm is there in your daughter being upstairs there?

If you're going in for gender stereotypes, I would probably leave a boy rather than a girl becuae generally boys can get immersed in a computer game or the tv for a couple of hours and not notice the time passing, while girls are more likely to think of 'creative' ways to pass the time!

depends on the child. mine would be at the door within 11 mins!

Yes, if the child were happy and you were happy, this is fine.

Well I left her for just over an hour, she was fine. Fairly annoyed that I came back and interrupted the TV viewing I think.

Ive got 2 boys.
the eldest who is 12 in a few days, no, I wouldnt be happy leaving him on his own, he has a 'thing' about fires, matches lighters etc and generally not behaving well on his own!! long story(ies)

My 8 yr old again who has a birthday in a couple of weeks I do trust, but I know he wouldnt be happy with 90 mins, 15-20 at the most, at the mo

No,not for 90 mins and after dark.
And I'm not a usual 'what iffer'..I would leave 9 yo DS for 30 mins or a bit more, during the day, I let DS camp in the garden etc, I just think it's quite a lonely experience to leave a 9 yo for 90 mins in the evening / bed time.

Is yours nearly 10, or just past 8 in age? DS is only just 9, and I can see a definite 'olderness' about him, but still.