Can I leave nearly 10 year old DS alone for an hour?

[blinkowl]

DS went to bed feeling poorly, looks like the beginning of a cold.

If he's worse tomorrow and has to stay at home, I'm not sure what to do.
I have to go out for an hour for an important appointment, around midday.

If I leave him in bed and let him play his phone, I know he won't move out of that spot for an hour - or as long as he's aloud to! Last time he was sick, he played phone for about 6 hours solid. Probably won't even notice I'm gone!

I used to be left at home for whole school days when I was sick, around that age. He's a sensible boy (mostly!) and I could put credit on his phone so he can call me if he needs to.

But - I've never left him on his own before. It's not something I've considered doing before.

I've been wracking my brains and I can't think of anyone to sit with him. Everyone I know will be at work.

WWYD? Is 10 to young to be at home for an hour on your own?

Sounds to me as though he will be OK left alone for an hour. As long as he is happy about it and knows not to answer the door.

He will be fine. I’ve left mine in similar circumstances with instructions.

Yes I would (and have) left sensible 10 yr old for an hour.

If it’s a cold I would dose him up with calpol and send him to school. Colds tend to better as the days go on.

I'd do it. Put credit on his phone.

I can't see the problem (though I'll probably feel anxious the first time too!). Kids younger than that play out on their own for longer where surely there's more risk than being in his own home and he can call if he needs to. I say do it, he'll probably love the independence too

I have left children younger than that at home (and for longer).

Like you say, I doubt he'll even notice you've gone. I wouldn't give it a second thought.

Yes I would, don’t worry

I thought everyone would say not to do it!

I suspect I haven't quite got my head round the fact he's nearly 10, not a little boy any more!

OK, I'll stop worrying. If he's well enough, I'll pack him off to school. If he's not, I'll put some credit on his phone, bring drink and snacks to his room and give strict instructions not to leave the room.

Thanks everyone. It's (free) couples counselling. We've missed two sessions. If we miss a third, they cancel it. I really don't want to miss it.