WWYD - re leaving child home alone?

[itstheyearzero]

DS is 9, 10 in December. Yesterday, we were both diagnosed with impetigo which is extremely contagious. The Doctor prescribed us antibiotics; I got tablets, DS got liquid. However, the liquid is vile, and he will not take it. I've tried everything, he just spits it out or gags etc.

I phoned the docs today and asked them if they could give him some cream and / or tablets which will be easier to hide in food. Now, my impetigo is on my hands which I can cover up with bandages and a glove, but DS's impetigo is on his face.

So, I have to go and pick the new medicine up, but obviously I don't want to take DS with me if I can help it. As I said, he's 9, and the surgery is about a 30 minute round trip. Would you leave him on his own (he's never been left at home alone before), or take him with you? I have nobody else I can ask so I'm putting it to the Mumsnet jury....

Please be nice, I really want to do the right thing here!

Are you going on public transport?

He will be fine. Sit him in front of the Tv and tell him he is not to move!

On the sofa, not right in front of the TV!

I think it would be OK if he were given strict instructions to e'g' not open the door if anyone knocks, not to answer the house phone, that kind of thing.

thaegumatheth, no I'll be walking....

Take him with you Leave him in the car while you nip into the surgery?

Yes I would ..I've been leaving my daughter by herself since age of 9 ..she loves it

OK, nobody seems to think leaving him would be a problem. He's a sensible kid so I think with some instructions he would be fine

Def would not leavey ds 9.10!!

Absolutely leave him home, he can phone you if he's worried, but it's a good exercise to get him to have a very short period alone.

Poor little chap, poor you! feel better soon!

Is HE ok for you to leave him for 30mins? that's the most important thing really

I used to be left at that age.

Depends on the child really.

Hope you both get better very soon!

Snacks and the remote.

Tell him not to open the door, answer the phone or set fire to the house in your absence.

He will be fine.

Does he have access to a phone to call you if there's a problem? And is he comfortable being left alone? If yes and yes then no problem.

Thanks everyone. To answer the question - yes he would be fine to be left alone. Phew, I can go without feeling guilty now - cheers!

Absolutely. I left mine for similar aged 8. Locked my iPad on to FaceTime and so the screen would never go blank so he could call me if needed. Tv in. He was fine.

I don't see any reason not to leave an NT 9 year old alone for thirty minutes.

Yep. 9/10 yo gone to leave for 30 mins or so with instructions.

Fine not gone

Yes. Set him up with a drink, a snack and scooby doo. Make sure he knows not to touch anything hot or answer the door, and then go straight there & back. He’ll be fine. He’s at an age where he should be developing slightly more independence anyway.

I'd have done the same. Tv and snacks. He probably won't notice you've gone!

Well I did it and he was fine. Thanks all!