Leaving child all day

[Mightymurphy]

At what age did you leave your child alone at home when you went to work 9-5 but not every day of the week.

Mine aren’t old enough yet, but in the olden days (90s) we were high school before being left at home alone if we were ill. Obviously not really ill, just too ill for school. I think that’s reasonable enough. Totally depends on the child mind you. I can’t imagine leaving my DS until he’s 18 tbh 🤦🏻‍♀️

Secondary age seems pretty standard.
Why are you asking?

Probably 14? Why, how old is your DC?

Starting secondary school.

I think it depends on the child. Aecondary age is standard, but that seems a bit young to me.
My 14yo ds can't be left for more than an hour, whereas dd(now 17) would have been happy and managed fine if I'd left her for a week at the same age (I never did, just before I get shouted at!).

12 and not every day

Due to divorce my DD was home alone from 12.5.
She is sensible,resourceful and understood our situation.Her 13th bday was at half term and she managed from then on through the summer holidays for 4 weeks.I worked shifts so 4 days a week.
Not ideal but she coped really well.

Our secondary is open to y7/8 keyworker children.uptake is low but it suggests somewhere around that age

11?

Secondary school unless DD is ill. Normal inset days or holidays are no problem.

We tried afternoons, 3-6pm in Summer term Y6 as a preparation and we luckily have neighbours at home during the day for emergencies.

It depends on the child, but I would say:

as a one off emergency - year 6 (10/11)

now and again, but not regularly, maybe one day a week - year 7 and 8 (11-13)

regularly - year 9 onwards (13+)

I seem to recall the law in Scotland saying 11 is the youngest kids can be left unsupervised it something?

You’ll probably find guidance on the likes of nspcc website or suchlike.

My school friends got in before their parents at that age and had the housework done and the dinner in for their parents. I could t believe it. At the time I thought they were being used!

I seem to recall the law in Scotland saying 11 is the youngest kids can be left unsupervised it something?

Incorrect.

I’m confused that there seems to be a difference whether you do it for an hour or for 5 hours.

If a child can be trusted for an hour, surely they can be trusted for five.

DD has a disability so we’re a bit more restricted, but were it not for that we’d be happy enough to leave her for the day. She’s 11.

There's no law in scotland, as long as the child is not neglected!

I'd say around 14 is OK, but it really depends on the child

If a child can be trusted for an hour, surely they can be trusted for five

It's not a question of trust, children just arent used to being alone for such long periods. My dd would be fine in an emergency for an hour but 5 hours would be way too long and would likely cause her anxiety. Shes only 9 so wouldnt leave her anyway but think there is a massive difference between 1 hour and practically all day

Similar profile to what NuffSaidSam said, if they are NT with no additional needs. Very much depends on the child and individual circumstances though. We had the option of WFH occasionally so we didn't need to leave ours all day every day for ages, but if you can't WFH it is going to happen a bit sooner.

Family here leave their 10 year old and 6 year old. They get the bus into town to have lunch with their mum (secondary school teacher) and then get the bus home again. So don't know if that counts as all day? Dad is on primary school board of governors and works 3 hours away lecturing at a uni. They do it when the school holidays don't coincide, so it's for a week at a time rather than regularly over the year

Shes only 9 so wouldnt leave her anyway but think there is a massive difference between 1 hour and practically all day

Something can happen in ten minutes. I don’t see why there is a massive difference. If your child is prone to anxiety, that can kick in at any time, not just after an hour.

Dc 9&10.
I won't be leaving them alone but together until they're about 18.
Individually I'd think I'd trust them (hopefully) by 15.

MintyMabel I wouldn't leave a dog for 5 hours never mind my child. Children just arent used to being alone for long periods and 5 hours is a long time. The OP actually asks 9-5 which is 8 hours and probably more with travel time, for me that would be around age 14 depending on the child. I dont really care if you think it's fine and dandy to leave a primary school child all day on their own but I certainly wouldnt.

DC also 9 & 10.
Eldest won't be left alone at all (and will be Yr7 in September). Youngest, happy to be left for half hour.

For a day's work individually I'd say 12/13. Together, never!

When dd1 was young I worked shifts. If I was 3-10 she stayed herself from about 14. Before that she went to my parents and I would collect her after work.
I used to have a key to let myself in at primary school.

In the 80s/90s I was left home alone if I was ill and off school from the age of about 9. In the school holidays my sister was around who was five years older.

Nowadays I’d agree with 14. That sounds about right.