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Original poster

At what age would you leave 2 children at home for a full day rather than use holiday childcare?

111 replies

Theromanempire · 19/02/2020 07:56

As the title says...2 siblings, what age would you feel happy leaving them together for a full working day?

OP posts:

TSSDNCOP · 19/02/2020 09:00

Africa2go · 19/02/2020 09:01

Where we are, there are quite a few sports camps run by their clubs - hockey, tennis, plus things like performing arts. We also have a watersports centre that does holiday camps with canoeing, paddle boarding etc, specifically for teens, so its worth doing a bit of research on google.

Mine are 14 & 10. We work 20 mins walk away. We've left them by themselves for a day but have arranged stuff, so I'll have booked the cinema or a badminton court at the local leisure centre, and they'll walk together there after breakfast, check in at my work on the way home etc. Is that feasible (that they could walk / get transport to an activity)? We've also talked with parents of their friends about a group going on a PGL type holiday for 2 or 3 days, but havent sorted it yet. Its another possibility though ? (although quite expensive).

We've also used working from home / half day holidays / early starts etc to stretch annual leave, but as everyone knows, its not easy.

ChicCroissant · 19/02/2020 09:03

Do they not get along now then, OP? You say you hope they will learn, if that is true then no, I wouldn't leave them alone tbh! I know what you mean about the lack of options once they are secondary school age though.

itssquidstella · 19/02/2020 09:05

My mum left me and my brother occasionally from when we were 11 and 9. She popped back at lunchtime. This wasn't every day, just when she couldn't get childcare.

Depending on the child, I'd say 11 and up if they're sensible.

AJPTaylor · 19/02/2020 09:09

Older ones 10 and 12. Younger one 11,but was less happy with that as She is an only.
This summer she is 12 and we will liaise with friends parents to make sure we are away at the same in the hols as possible. We live in a safe area so she is fine to walk to friends, walk to the town (tiny) for a Costa or an ice cream.

Original poster

Theromanempire · 19/02/2020 09:11

Chiccroissant sorry, it was a bit tongue in cheek. They get on as well as any set of siblings - they love each other some days and hate each other other days. However, I am sure that they would pull together if anything happened and they have not done anything on the occasions they have been left together before to suggest otherwise.

OP posts:

Soffy · 19/02/2020 09:11

I suspect we will need to do this over the Easter holidays. Ds will be 12 and DD14. It will be the first time , but I work 15 minutes away and we have left them on many evenings whilst we go out locally so not so different.

AuntieStella · 19/02/2020 09:12

I left them home for whole days when I thought each was old enough to be home alone, wihich in practice meant 11 (secondary age). I didn't expect the elder ones to be responsible for the younger ones (yes I expected them all to keep an eye out for the others IYSWIM but not to be in charge)

Meeting up and mooching round with friends is a standard younger teen activity. Sports, tech and drama camps often run for teenagers - but that of course depends on your DC's interest and availability of activities locally (or near grandparents/aunts/uncles)

ChicCroissant · 19/02/2020 09:13

Ah that's OK then, I would not want you to come home to total warfare after a day at work!

Original poster

Theromanempire · 19/02/2020 09:13

I would not expect the older one to be responsible for the younger one - they would need to be independent of each other which I think the younger one (who is 11) is now.

OP posts:

Panicmode1 · 19/02/2020 09:16

Mine are almost 16, 14, 12 and nearly 10. I've left them for the past year during school holidays. But I work literally 2 minutes from my front door and come home for lunch. So it's a bit different.

I would want my youngest to be in secondary school before I left them for extended periods of time.

chuck7 · 19/02/2020 09:18

Youngest 12+

I don't think the fact there is 2 is relevant really. One is not responsible for the other. And most siblings I know would be more troublesome left unattended together than they would alone

happycamper11 · 19/02/2020 09:19

I think high school age there isn't a lot of choice. So in my case it will be 12 and 15

TSSDNCOP · 19/02/2020 09:20

I think as well it’s that that also want the responsibility of being left alone too. DS really enjoys being here alone after school whilst I go to the gym and in the holidays if I’m working (can get home in 10 minutes). He doesn’t like it in the evening though so we get boy sitters then

stellabelle · 19/02/2020 09:22

10 was my cut-off point. When they were 10 and 14, that was fine. Earlier than that, no.

Mumajoy · 19/02/2020 09:22

It depends on the children as many others have said, if they're sensible, get on well and can get in touch with you or another adult as and when needed or (can think for themselves to know what to do in various situations).
I wouldn't leave mine for a whole day unless there was no other option but would for a few hours but that is what is right for me, knowing my own children, it doesn't reflect what is right for other people.
When we were kids we were left from 10,9 and 8 and survived and learned a lot of skills in the process.
Only you know what is right for you and your family, I would say go with your instinct and maybe try it out before on a day when you aren't tied and could potentially come home if needed.

Gwynfluff · 19/02/2020 09:24

Just turned 12 year old can just about manage being left with 14 and 16 year old for a day or 2 - they ignore him so he gets bored and starts calling us...

14 and 16 year old honestly couldn’t care less if I was there or not! Seems to kick in around Y8 when friends become the most important social link.

longhaulstress · 19/02/2020 09:25

13 and 11 (both in high school).

okiedokieme · 19/02/2020 09:28

I left mine from 10&12 but not full days because I'm part time. (4 hours normally)

SkaLaLand · 19/02/2020 09:30

Gosh, I was alone with a key to let myself in, expected to get dinner on (proper cooking) and care for my brother when I was 13 and he 11.

FairyBunnyAgain · 19/02/2020 09:30

Mine stayed home from the Easter break in y6, there is a 2 school year gap, they get on OK and I was always available on the phone and a 10 minute drive away. They weren’t alone every day, they had options of days out with cousins and grandparents or clubs/events.

They are both girls and quite responsible.

MozzchopsThirty · 19/02/2020 09:32

Mine are alone today 10.5 and 15
Tbh I'd trust my 10 year old more than my 15 year old 🤣

Paddingtonthebear · 19/02/2020 09:32

17-19 year olds needing childcare?! I was renting a flat at that age. Shouldn’t think a 16yr old needs a parent at home either tbh

BiddyPop · 19/02/2020 09:34

Dd is 14 and did 2 days at a hockey camp, has a day to herself at home today and then we’re all going to London tomorrow for 3 days (home late Saturday).

She can entertain and feed herself quite well. But has a teenage affliction - “I’m BORED!”.

Jocasta2018 · 19/02/2020 09:35

I was left alone from 13. It was bliss! Used to make supper every evening & do the washing & cleaning then the rest of the day was my own!

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