Is 10 and 12 too young to be left for a couple of hours in the evening?

[losenotloose]

I want to start going to an exercise class regularly. Dh works shifts so works late every other week. Would you leave dc this age on their own for a couple of hours?

Guess if they get on anc are reasonably sensible

As long as they get on and won’t fight then yes it’s fine.

Yes not guess

If they are sensible and don't fight or argue alot. And of course they are both comfortable about being left then yes no problem.

I think if they are both sensible it's probably ok. I would be worried though that they would call and I wouldn't see my phone until the end of the class - is it possible to have a back up plan? e.g. phone DH/go to a neighbour if there are any problems.

What's your thoughts on 14 and 8?

I would if they are happy to be left and are sensible and won't fight. Mine are 8 and 10 and would leave them up up to an hour now, so i think a couple of hours in two years time would be fine for them.

I have a 10+12 and no I wouldn't tbh.

Depends on how mature they are. I'd leave my 12 and 9 year old for an hour, I haven't but would in an emergency, but not my 13 year old with one or both as she's very bossy, controlling and would argue with a paper bag given the chance. 🙄

Definitely, I left mine together at a much younger age than this. So long as they’re sensible and have plan in place for any problem.

I have a 12 year old and 8 year old i leave my 12 year old now but wouldnt trust my 8 year old to behave for his sister so he doesnt get left. Although popping to shops he would probably be fine

Kew I leave nearly 14, nearly 12 and 7 alone for up to 4 hours - eldest in charge of youngest formally (if she chooses to actively babysit by playing with him etc I pay her, but if she just let's him play in screens I don't - they're honest about which) and 11 yo is in charge of himself.

We have a welk established network of neighbors to go to for help, knowing who to call etc and all the kids have been using the landline since they were 4 or 5... All know the neighbors, all know what to do if a fire alarm goes off, all have goid for their age self reliance skills, and they bicker sometimes but never physically fight.

They also like being home alone because its the only time they get so long on screens and are allowed to eat cereal for lunch... I make them all get dressed and drag them out for a walk or whatever when I get home.

Great! They do argue sometimes but I'm sure they won't leave their gaming for long enough for it to be a problem!

I think 14 and 8 is fine, I was babysitting at that age.

Too young (the youngest) imo. My ‘test’ is - if the police or social services turned up at my door (for a related or unrelated reason) would they think this was an ok parenting decision? Give it a year.

but if she just let's him play in screens I don't - they're honest about which

Impressive honesty! I think mine would be in cahoots and split the cash!

We do this quite a bit.. Never too far away (10 min walk,) and on the phone. They both have phones and know the rules. Depends on the kids though I suppose.

Yep Kew she rarely asks for money for babysitting though, and when she has been in babysitter mode usually they want to show me stuff they've made or whatever. There are always optional housework chores (the never ending laundry is actually the favourite easy money maker) the kids can do to earn money so they can always make cash if they need some.

Watching with interest as dd has just been invited to a sleepover with her friend on Friday (both 12).I said yes but the mum has just asked me if its ok if they are there alone until 9.30 'ish' whilst they parents go out in London (which is a 50 min train journey away). My Initial instinct is to not be especially keen but I don't know if Im over reacting or not.

The last Nigel, could you offer to hang around til they're back if you're dropping your dd off anyway?

As long as they get along, I think that’s ok.

I leave my ds 10. for an hour on a Saturday morning to do park run. He has his toast & drink, the phone, and Scooby Doo or Ninjago on the box.

We rehearse what to do if there’s a fire, other disaster, if someone scares him or he hurts himself. Which neighbours are in. And he isn’t allowed to touch the kettle, iron or cooker. He copes fine, most weeks he doesn’t move off the sofa.

I have dd2 (11) as well and she will want to go home Id think.

I wouldn't leave mine (9 and 11) together - not because they fight but because they play and get very silly very quickly. Although having said that, if plugged into screens they probably would ignore each other.

I would leave, and have left them individually - the 9yo for less than the 11yo.

The 11yo has been for a sleepover at his best friend's house where the parents have gone out in the morning leaving them alone - I was fine with that. Bit different in the evening especially when the parents are at the mercy of public transport, but I'd probably say it's fine as long as they let you know if they are delayed. Presumably your DD has a phone and can text or call you if there are any problems.