Would you allow a 9 and a half year old to stay home alone while you went to a school appointment

[Tryingtomakethebestofmylife]

It would be around 5 pm for maybe an hour

he is very sensible and wouldn’t move from the Xbox

No I wouldn't.

no

No

Yes if you have neighbours about and he is trustworthy.

No I would take them with me

Yes I would

Yes, but my dd was extremely ensible at that age.

It depends on how sensible he is, if he's afraid of the dark, does he know your neighbours, how far you live from school and if he has access to a phone (and knows how to use it).

My 11 yo DD loves being left for an hour ot two (but I only leave her if I'm staying local and only occasionally.)

Of course I would. My 10 year old is away to school today with a key for the house, I won't be home till about an hour after he is.

If he is sensible, knows what to do in an emergency then there is no issue.

You know your son, only you know if he will be fine. Sounds like my DS in that he will turn on the PlayStation and enjoy the time without me telling him to stop shouting at his computer.

Yes, have done similar with my DD who is extremely sensible. Wouldn't have worked with DS at that age.

Yes, but DD is very sensible, knows how to use the phone to call for help in an emergency, and has a good relationship with our trusted neighbours who would be happy to help if needed.

No.

I was a “sensible” child and was often left alone. I just didn’t tell anyone how terrified I got at times.

No. My kids were both sensible but I still wouldn’t have. Can he not go with you? Play on a phone, read a book or whatever outside the room you’re meeting in if it’s not appropriate for him to be in the room.

No. At that age I managed to set fire to the toaster then hid in the bathroom as I was scared and couldn't remember what to do. Fortunately I wasn't alone in the house.

Yes, providing the child in question is ok with it.

Depends on the 9 yr old.

My 9 yr old is quite sensible, but he gets anxious about being by himself so I wouldn’t want to leave him home alone for an hour.

Is it an appointment at your 9 yr old’s school? Whenever I’ve had appointments out of school hours at my DC’s school, they’ve always been understanding about it if parents need to bring their children along.

No

It completely depends on the child, and really only you can know if he’s ready.

I left my DD alone in the house at that age during the day when she was in bed poorly and I had to take young DS to school.

DS was about 9.5/10 when I left the both in the house middle of the day while I went to get my nails done.

DS I didn’t stay in the house on his own until he was well gone 10.

If you do leave him, make sure he can get out of the house in an emergency, that he knows who/how to call, and that he’s not to open the door to anyone.

I wouldn't do an hour with me in a meeting for the first occassion if leaving them, no. I'd want to build it up a bit more gradually with me being available on the ohone immediately if needed during thr first few times. First times would also probably be in daylight and shorter

My DS is nearly 9 and he'd be happy to be left. He knows not to turn on anything hot, use anything sharp, or open the door. The neighbour downstairs is usually around, and he knows how to call my mobile from Alexa.

Just

No, just take him with you.

Yes, I would.

Much like with swimming ability (sorry got swimming in my head), it’s not really how OLD the child is, but how responsible and sensible they are for their age. It’s like when my neighbour asked if my daughter wanted to go swimming with hers and I assumed her daughter would be a very confident swimmer aged 11, but the lifeguard had to jump in and rescue her because she hit her head diving in, in a no diving zone. Accidents do and can happen, it’s whether you know in your hearts of hearts that your child would confidently know what to do in an emergency.

No I wouldn't.

Why can't you take him with you?