How long would you leave a 12 year old at home for (alone)?

[LaurieLauren]

This will become an AIBU, but would really like to know this first...

Would you leave a 12 year old (year 8) alone for half an hour at around midnight while you went to pick someone up?

I was left at home alone from age 8 and was paid to babysit from 12. I would leave a capable 12yr old at home in the day if work necessitated it. I'd also leave the same 12yr old for half an hour to pick someone up around midnight.

I have left my ds12 at home for the day last year, similar to what you have said with anxiety around school, he was only missing a few days here and there to start with so he got used to it really. he could use the kettle,microwave & toaster,doors were locked, he didn't have a mobile at that point so just phoned with landline if he needed anything, usually fizzy juice!
He was fine, it gave him a sense of control over at least a bit of his life,
A year later he's nearly 13, he will have dinner ready for 5 of us if I have left something out and a recipe! The time off school & the freedom/trust we gave him has really helped him. Good luck