...to think she shouldn't be leaving her kids?

[Biiscuits]

I have a friend, who has a boy and a girl aged 9 and 12. The girl has learning difficulties.

She's a single mum, no dad, and works full time- proper full time- out the house 8-6. She's leaving the kids home alone these holidays every day.

I think they're far too young and not remotely sensible enough.

AIBU?

No, i wouldn't leave my child alone even at that age especially all day everyday. YANBU

Really? I don't believe this.

Really? I don't believe this.

Why not? My mum would leave me when I was 10, to look after my younger sibling til gone midnight.

Maybe she can't afford childcare but has to work to keep a roof over their heads

No YANBU Op

What cookie said.

Can you offer to have the children?

It’s not ideal but she probably has few options. Are you able to offer any support, even the odd afternoon?

None of your business I’m afraid. She has made that call. It’s legal.

Really? I don't believe this.

Then you have led a very sheltered life. My MiL is a manager in a care home. She had social services come in once because one of the carers had been leaving her toddler alone in bed while she travelled across London to work the night shift.

Have you actually put yourself in her shoes rather than judging her on an internet forum? Have you offered to help? If no then myob. You have no idea probably how hard it can be to find child care for children of this age with no family support.

Its not ideal at all, but then few people live ideal lives; not everyone has family or friends to help out.

If you are concerned about the children, call the nspcc for advice.

Probably no other choice. 12 year old is too old for child care. Most holiday childcare is for primary age only. 9 year old is minded by 12 year old. Not ideal but if needs must I can see why she has done that.

Probably needs the money. Poor woman. What a choice. Can you help?

None of your business I’m afraid. She has made that call. It’s legal

There's no legal age in the UK at which you can leave your child home alone.

It’s not “ legal” so stop spreading that crappy message. The law doesn’t specify an age which means the parents retain responsibility. In this case It could easily constitute neglect / cruelty. I don’t think a 12 year old should be taking care of anyone - particularly someone with learning disabilities. Are there actually affordable holiday clubs in your area.... someone was telling me that Sainsbury’s were running some. Not idea if that’s true but she was quoting prices way cheaper than I paid.

I think 12 is on the cusp of being fine.

A nine year old should be in childcare.

PS. I spent 7 years in child protection with the police - for reference.

I assume she has no choice.

It's not exactly brilliant and I'd rather not do it myself but I can see why someone would decide it was their best option.

@Looseberry I don't have any way of proving this except to say I am telling the truth! She told me last week and I have been up worrying about it at night. I feel sick with the worry, I know the kids well and they're just too young.

I’d assume she is doing the best she can with the resources she has. I’d try to help as a friend.

She's English. She does have to work to keep a roof over their heads, I appreciate that.

So do I. My DC go to summer camp! I can't offer to help unfortunately but I would if I could.

What are you actually going to do about it then? You know some children aren’t safe. You can’t just ignore that.