To leave 8year old DS home alone?

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After relocating for my STBX and him promptly leaving me and DS, we have no support network at all, really struggling for money and I have to find new employment (had been freelance)

Firstly, DS is a really sensible boy and has no problem fending for himself when I’m working (from home), has lots of indoor interests he busies himself with and knows what not to do.

Basically my AIBU is how unreasonable would it be to leave DS in bed on school holidays only, go to work for 6am (job is 15min drive away) and be home for 11am?

He will be asleep for at least 3 hours and has no issue with the idea himself.

No...that's far too long.

He may be sensible but so much can happen to a child that age in a short space of time I personally wouldn't risk it.

My dc is 9 and sensible but I wouldn't leave him that long even if he was going to be asleep most of that time.

5 days a week?

No it would be 2 days one week and 3 the next.

I wouldn’t leave my 8 year old for that long alone, I’ve literally just started leaving him alone while I go to the shops which is a 5 min round trip by foot, I couldn’t get in the car while he’s alone in the house though. Maybe I’m just overly cautious? You know your own child but I don’t know any 8 year old I’d be happy to leave alone for that length of time.

What will you do during term time?

No. That's neglect

Why are you even considering it?

No he's too young. He would likely be fine but I wouldn't trust an 8 year old to manage if something totally unexpected happened.

Sorry no, not until secondary school at least

Very! I have 8 year old twins and wouldn’t even leave them to pop to the shop let alone all morning - makes my blood run cold to think of it. Where are you based? No friends who can help you out for a bit? I’m a sp relocated for ex so totally understand the issue

This would never have been an issue a few years ago but the current parenting trend dictates that children are incapable of any sort of self care and responsibility until they are old enough to vote.

It's a long time but try it out. He is 8 now but will soon be 9. As long as you have rules and are contactable at all times I think it is OK.

No, that’s far far too long.

Very! I have 8 year old twins and wouldn’t even leave them to pop to the shop let alone all morning - makes my blood run cold to think of it. Where are you based? No friends who can help you out for a bit? I’m a sp relocated for ex so totally understand the issue

I am sorry but this is too long at the moment. Maybe when he is around 11 I would say. Can you move back at all?

No, he’s far too young. There are so many things that could go wrong, he could wake up feeling ill or anything.

It is extremely irresponsible and neglectful.

Advice:
www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/leaving-child-home-alone/

It's obviously your decision, but I think 8 years old is too young to be left alone for that length of time.

No I wouldn’t personally.
Of course every child is different but it’s not just about that is it. There are too many factors you have no control of or can predict. Including your son 😉

No. That's neglect

Bit dramatic.

He’ll be 9 in September, there are some 8 to 12 year olds I wouldn’t dream of leaving either but I asked here for a reason so it’s only a thought right now.
I was babysitting at around his age for children on the road.

Yes it's neglectful!!!

I wouldn't do this, he is too young.

That would be an awful idea

Why is the job only in the school holidays?

Would he know how to deal with a fire? Burglar? Power cut?

Depends on the child.

I used to babysit at that age.

I don't see how that's neglect if your DS is fine with it.

Pineapple at 8 someone left you with a dc to care for??