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Original poster

Opinions Please - 8 and 12 year old left alone for 30/45 minutes

57 replies

popcornfrenzy · 10/01/2023 04:39

Am a single parent who's looking to go to the gym in the mornings. You can see the gym from the house so would be 5 minutes away from them.

They're quite sensible and are able to get themselves dressed/get cereal for breakfast.

Looking for opinions as found conflicting information online. Thank you

OP posts:
hoppityscotch · 11/01/2023 08:25

Do you normally have to chase them to get ready for school?

ScatteredMama82 · 11/01/2023 08:27

SummerHouse · 10/01/2023 19:20

I think what your doing is brilliant and important. Good luck and well done to you. I wish I had your drive to go to the gym first thing. You are a fabulous role model to your children. I think the ages are totally fine to be left for that amount of time.

Agreed! My kids are 13 and 8. We do occasionally leave the eldest in charge of the younger one for short spells. He will stay home alone for longer but not responsible for DS2 in that case. Don't see the issue myself! Well done you.

Original poster
popcornfrenzy · 11/01/2023 17:01

So today was a success! They knew I was out but stayed in their rooms with devices until I got back then while I was showering they got dressed - I'd laid all clothes, bags and everything needed for today out already so there was little to except have breakfast and shoot out the door.

I will be going twice a week as long as they're happy with it. I've been a single parent for nearly 12 years (give it take a couple) and actually our morning routine is a great one. I'm bringing my children up to be independent as they know I'm not going to be around forever.

I'm teaching them life skills that will hopefully make them into sensible adults. I'm looking forward to watching them fly the nest when it's time.

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Families
ChildminderMum · 11/01/2023 17:16

Mine are the same age and I happily leave them for up to an hour.

MrsJBaptiste · 11/01/2023 18:40

All4Stars · 10/01/2023 07:41

Mine aren't that age yet but I think when they are I would leave them in bed, go to the gym and be back before they wake up. Obviously I would let them know I would be doing that. I think that's safer than leaving them to eat/dress etc alone.

This is what I used to do on a Saturday morning when I knew they might stay in bed slightly longer than usual. In the gym for 7am and home by 8.30 when they'd be awake but lolling in bed (probably around ages 9 and 11)

picklesandtea · 11/01/2023 18:43

popcornfrenzy · 11/01/2023 17:01

So today was a success! They knew I was out but stayed in their rooms with devices until I got back then while I was showering they got dressed - I'd laid all clothes, bags and everything needed for today out already so there was little to except have breakfast and shoot out the door.

I will be going twice a week as long as they're happy with it. I've been a single parent for nearly 12 years (give it take a couple) and actually our morning routine is a great one. I'm bringing my children up to be independent as they know I'm not going to be around forever.

I'm teaching them life skills that will hopefully make them into sensible adults. I'm looking forward to watching them fly the nest when it's time.

This is awesome! So glad it worked out, sounds like you have great kids

Natsku · 11/01/2023 19:29

popcornfrenzy · 11/01/2023 17:01

So today was a success! They knew I was out but stayed in their rooms with devices until I got back then while I was showering they got dressed - I'd laid all clothes, bags and everything needed for today out already so there was little to except have breakfast and shoot out the door.

I will be going twice a week as long as they're happy with it. I've been a single parent for nearly 12 years (give it take a couple) and actually our morning routine is a great one. I'm bringing my children up to be independent as they know I'm not going to be around forever.

I'm teaching them life skills that will hopefully make them into sensible adults. I'm looking forward to watching them fly the nest when it's time.

Wonderful! Good to get a chance to do something for your own health and feelgoodness but at the same time know you're helping your children learn independence.

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