Leaving 8 year old for 20-30mins

[Mustthinkofacoolname]

Ds 8 is off school today as he had a dodgy tummy overnight and this morning. He's fine now and hasn't had any "movement" since around 9 this morning.

I have pick up younger ds from school and am Considering leaving older ds at home.
He's currently just lazing around in his pants and doesn't want to come to the school.
I've only ever left him alone for 5-10 minutes before.
Wwyd?

Does he have a mobile? Or is there a phone he can use?

Does he know how to call you and how to call the emergency services?

I personally wouldn't just because of the what ifs. My dc would be panicked if I left her on her own. She is 7. Hope he feels better soon

I would. My 8yr old DS is sensible enough I feel and would not be panicking. Depends on the child I guess.

I dunno, 8 is still quite young in my book.

No phone, but he does have a way to text me from his tablet. I doubt he'd even leave the sofa though tbh.
Its his idea for me to leave him! So I don't think he'd get scared

I would and have at that age, there's so many what ifs in life to worry about them all.

Back in the 70-80s it was pretty common for children to be left in a hotel room when parents went out to dinner. Now since that case everyone pretends it didn't happen.

I don't think it's a good idea if he has no phone.

The problem is if something happens to you more than the unlikely event something happens to him. If you don't get back in a reasonable time (what of you are badly injured on the road and are taken to hospital?) he needs to be able to call someone.

Are we talking 8, nearly 9 in Year 4? Or just turned 8? Usually sensible?

Yes. I've left my 8yo to go and watch the little reception kids in concert after the eldest was sent home sick. Was out for around 40 min and he knew how to contact me. He was absolutely fine, still on the couch with some form of computer game when I got back.

8.5, end of year 3. Sensible kid.

I have done it at that age in that situation - depends on child, don't know if I'd be as comfy doing it with ds2 when he reaches that age, but ds1 (now 9) ive done a couple of times and been fine

I think it is fine, you won't be gone long and he suggested it.

Is he just 8 or almost 9?

Keep your phone on loud and tell him not to be a silly bugger and he will be fine.

I would if it was only for 20 minutes.

I have left my 8 year old he has an iPod and can Whattsapp me at any time maximum was half an hour and he was quite happy to FaceTime me on my mobile if u download Skype to his tablet and ur fone then he can just video call u anytime and u will feel safer x

yes, I'd do it with strict instructions not to answer door or phone and not to help himself to anything in the kitchen.

Kids need to be given little bits of freedoms and responsibility as they grow. I think 8 is fine to begin this.

yep, I do here.
You know your boy best. On here you will find people that will leave their child at 7 right up until those that won't leave til about 16.

You're his parent.

DP did when DS had a migraine and he had to drop other DC at school. Gave DS the house phone. DS was happy to be left for 15mins.

I would but I am lax on these things by MN standards. We leave DS for up to a couple of hours, same age. But it's normal and even encouraged in germany where we live. He knows how to use the phone and not to attempt any cooking. There are also neighbours who could help in an emergency.

If he is a sensible boy, I would absolutely leave him, no problem.

Tell him to stay off the stairs, if you have any, and not answer the door until you get home.

If I was walking for pickup then yes I'd leave him with strict instructions to just watch TV or whatever.
If driving then I'm not so sure.

I would, but i tell him to not answer the door and just watch tv. If you have a mobile and house phone ring him to check up on him.

Is he likely to vomit? Or poop uncontrollably?

Would not leave mine if they had a tummy bug because of those risks of choking, or the worry of how they would cope with any poop incidents.

I would ring a mate and ask them to pick up other one if at all possible.

I would and have done.

Is there a neighbour in? When I first started leaving mine I left my phone number but said if there was a problem, knock next door.

Of course its fine.

Why would he need a mobile? That is always baffling to me - even my 6 year old competently use the landline!

My 9 yo happily and sensibly stays home for up to an hour, my 6 year old for up to half an hour. I've put a lot of work into ensuring they are ready and prepared, and neighbours are aware and know they are emergency contacts - we do the same for neighbour kids.

It utterly normal here and Kindergarten and school are fully on board with the gradual introduction of staying home alone for short periods (typically to fetch a sibling from somewhere or run a very local errand) at 6.