To leave the kids in the house whilst I pop to the co-op - quick reply needed

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I need some potatoes. Dd (11 ) is watching a film. Ds (9) is on the iPad.

The co op is a 5 min drive away. I can't send dd as the walking route is up a lane with no pavement and a horrible blind corner.

Dh is working away today

I have a mobile. Dd has a mobile with mine & her grandparents numbers in. Next door neighbours look like they are out.

Mumsnet poll please.

I would.

How sensible are your kids?

I think it's ok, if you let someone else (who knows you) know you are doing it, and then let them know when you get back. That way, if something terrible happens while you're out, someone knows the kids are alone.

I would.

I wouldn't but know people who do without any thing bad happening. My Mum left me at that age for longer.

Go for it.

And ignore the people who tell you that a wasp might get into the house or other ridiculous scenarios.

At that age, I would.

Is your co-op still open? Mine closed an hour ago, almost.

If it is, and you are quick, you'll probably be fine.

I would.

i would

It closes at 8pm on a Sunday.

god yes run now get your tatties

She's sensible enough that if I were not to be back in a certain time to contact someone.

our co op and other corner shop shuts at 10 on a sunday night

You know your kids better than anyone else

I would - and have on many occassions..

at 11 Id imagine she is heading to high school soon

Yes high school in sept. just missed cut off date for last year (12 at beg of October)

I left my 12 yo in charge of my 7 yo to nip to the shops. Everything was fine, he has my mobile number and they were still sat in the same places when I got back.
It will be fine.

I left dd at 9/10 to nip round to the shop it is fine and you are driving so you wont be long will you

Yep I would

Go! My Mum left me alone to pop to the shops round the corner when I was 6 and had chicken pox! 11 is old enough to look after a 9 year old for a couple of hours!

No problem going for your potatoes. I left my son alone for brief periods from 11 - he is an only one so it might be different effectively being left "in charge" of a younger sibling but if both are sensible then fine. There isn't a lower age limit in law but to look after a younger one I think they have to be 14.

A Dutch friend used to leave her sleeping toddler at home in her cot & go out for a couple of hours - apparently common practise - not sure I'm comfortable with that - not that I'd expect a disaster to happen but a child waking alone could be pretty scared

I would. From 10ish onwards I was left alone for 15 minutes.

At those ages I'd not even think to question doing so.

It entirely depends on the children (particularly the 9 year old).
No way would I have left DS2 with his 11 yr old brother when he was 9 but DD and DS1 would have been fine.