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?

Someone I know leaves her 20 month old toddler in a play pen for a couple of hours at a stretch. She claims her work is fine about this. I think it's a disaster waiting to happen.

Our organisation is secondary school age - so 11/12, I guess. The rule is that, if they're at primary school, or have additional needs which mean you can't concentrate on your work - then, you should not be expected to work, and look after the children. Also, if they're ill, you can't be expected to either.
There's always the opportunity of unpaid leave, if you can't manage to work your hours/responsibilities around that. But, I've been pretty flexible with those in my team who have needed it, over the last couple of years. At 6 & 8, I'd think it would be pretty difficult to get a lot of dedicated time, though. (I sadly, don't have kids, so just going on what the policy is.)

I don't think they need to be TOTALLY self sufficient! I think it depends on the job and if you manage your own time.

Mine are 12 and 10 (year 8 and year 5) and they are here in the holidays some of the time while I wfh. I keep an eye on them, make them lunch, see them off if they're going out with friends and check they have the right stuff etc, I'll pop out and collect them locally if needed.

If I need to I'll work later in the evenings. But if I do a bit less on these sorts of days it's balanced out by other days when it's busy and I'm flat out.

I only gave up wrap around half way through year 6. I am obviously absolutely fine having my 12 year old here when I work but I really don’t feel it’s very fair on him to do it more than a couple of days a week. Makes school holidays incredibly boring for him

I don't think they need to be TOTALLY self sufficient! I think it depends on the job and if you manage your own time

I don't think they need to be totally self sufficient either.

Lots seem to be saying secondary age which is when you'd expect kids to be totally self sufficient, key to the door age, make lunch. Able to handle a minor emergency, (cut finger type thing) know who to call for something more serious.

There is a time before that when they need someone to be responsible for them, deal with the key and emergencies, and sort lunch that doesn't mean a creme egg.
But are able to play with friends, in person or on xbox, or play with toys. Which I'd think is around 8/9.