What age is it ok to have kids at home when WFH

[Burnt0utMum]

What age would you say it's ok to have kids at home whilst you're working from home? Or does it vary based on the child? Should it be ok as long as it's not affecting your work or should there be some sort of ban?

They need to be totally self-sufficient and also understand that you can't be disturbed unless in an emergency. Mine are 6 and 8 and still can't manage that for any period of time so I wouldn't have them at home whilst DH and I are both working. I'm thinking maybe when they start secondary school so 11/12?

So many variables. How long for? An hour after school or a whole day? Temperament of child? What kind of work?

I think it depends on the child and on your job. It’s the holidays so my DC sometimes wander in to the office and wave at my team but they know to sit quietly and don’t disturb anyone. They’re looked after by someone else in our house so I don’t really need to do any childcare.

Id say if you’re actually having to look after them they need proper childcare or you need to go into the office.

I guess when they are totally self sufficient and would be ok left at home on their own. Secondary school age?

My daughter is 5 and is home with me when I work. I collect her from school 1-2 days then she will wait until 5pm. She plays draws and has a snack. It’s not ideal but afterschool care every day is too expensive. Plus I like having her around the house.

My son is 10 and can spend all day at home and whilst im working. On school holiday my 5 year old goes to holiday club a couple of days, my 10 year old stays at home.

I thank god this is possible as Before covid it was too expensive for me to work in a job where I was needed 5 days a week in an office.

Depends on the child/children. We managed it when mine were 10 and 12, but with me breaking up my work day to spend a bit of time with them every two hours or so. Still don’t work a full day when they are at home but can easily do a 4-hour stretch now (they are 12 and 14).

It will depend on the child and the job but I would generally say about the same age when you are happy to leave them in the house unattended and go out, again this can vary depending on the child. If the child is at home for a shorter amount of time whilst you are working then maybe abit younger

For the odd day I can manage with any of my age children when they’ve been ill or last minute childcare closures but on a consistent basis I’d say 11 and upwards. The age at which you don’t need to have half an ear out for what they’re doing

My youngest is nearly 9 and I stopped childcare for them a couple of months ago. They went to a couple of holiday clubs last week. Older two are at secondary school. It really depends on the child and job.

It's not feasible as a regular set up if they need help to feed or entertain themselves. However, life is unpredictable and sometimes it will happen - my team is fully remote and sometimes someone's child is ill or needs to be at home for whatever reason and we don't give people a hard time about it. People are human - it's just life.

Maybe 11. They need to be completely self sufficient.

My youngest is y6 and she's borderline on a whole day.

However if she does spend a whole day at home while I am working she tends to be in her screen all day so I try and limit it.

Problem is she is at an age where holiday clubs are not that appealing. Over Easter she has had 4 days at drama club 9.30-3.30, 2 days with me (1 working 1 not) and then 3 days at her grandparents.

In the summer holidays I try and break it up so I will have 1-2 days off a week, and then I will try and sort a mix of other things so home & screen time days are only 1-2 a week.

I would say around 8 for a typical child, some may be okay a little younger, others wouldn't be able to understand even at 8 - know your child. They need to be able to safely entertain themselves for an entire morning and afternoon if you are full time with you just checking in with them briefly morning and afternoon (on your "tea break") and obviously you can chat over lunch and settle them for the pm ... whilst one sensible 6 year old may be content to draw, play with toys and put the tv on most will be looking for direction or can't be trusted!

@Coffeekam

My daughter is 5 and is home with me when I work. I collect her from school 1-2 days then she will wait until 5pm. She plays draws and has a snack. It’s not ideal but afterschool care every day is too expensive. Plus I like having her around the house.

My son is 10 and can spend all day at home and whilst im working. On school holiday my 5 year old goes to holiday club a couple of days, my 10 year old stays at home.

I thank god this is possible as Before covid it was too expensive for me to work in a job where I was needed 5 days a week in an office.

Are you absolutely sure they won't want you in the office at some point? That is happening to a lot of people.

I'd say secondary age or years 5-6 after school only. I don't see how you can work with a 5 year old around

Depends on the job and child surely. I can work with my 3 year old at home with me.

I have my daughter at home while I WFH half the time, she goes to nursery the rest. She is 22 months, I’ve done it since she was seven months. It’s for about 10 hours a week but my job is 100% flexible and they also let her come to work with me, I do a lot when she naps and can catch up after she goes to sleep too if I haven’t got much done.

DS is ten and is fine being in the house after school when I'm working but I Still don't attempt a full day, he'd end up on a screen all day and get bored and restless.

@Username917778

Depends on the job and child surely. I can work with my 3 year old at home with me.

Not in a 9-5 job you can't

Mine are 9 and almost 7 - I can have them at home for the odd wfh day without any issues, but wouldn't do it for more than a day here and there.

My DS is 7 and still goes to wraparound care and holiday club. He probably could entertain himself most of the day while I work (and both I and my husband can WFH) but he’d be bored or on screens all day and I don’t think it’s fair on him. It would save us quite a lot of money to just have him at home though!

Definitely once secondary age

Older primary age DC might be ok, depending on their temperament and interests.

If I was an employer making rules, I would set it at secondary age to be on the safe side.

(But I would, if I could, 'blind eye' an occasional presence or a bit of end of school-day wrap round that was not interfering with work. Unfortunately, the most hostile thing to maintaining that flexibility is someone taking the piss beyond that, than claiming that they're being singled out because lots of people make (other, tolerable) breaches. At which point all flexibility has to vanish. Pity)

All day on a regular basis probably 10/11+

An hour after school or a one off unavoidable all day probably 7/8+

When they are old enough to be left at home by themselves. Any younger that and you’re not going to be as productive so likely you’re company will make you come into the office instead if it goes on long enough. A one off emergency for one day is different, I’d say any age for that as it can’t be helped, but nothing planned or long term is acceptable.

I agree with @EdithWeston, if I was making the rules I’d set it at secondary school age.

It all depends is it all day or just after school ? . If it’s all day can the child get snacks / drinks entertain themselves all day ? If so yes if not no . If it’s a emergency and no childcare then it’s doable but as long term solution no . I’ve done both but nothing more annoying when on a work call and child screaming or shouting for attention in background and the caller is completely oblivious.