When did you start leaving your child alone for short times?

[EnglishGirlApproximately]

DS is 9. Hes very sensible and has been asking for a little bit more independence recently. I feel like we may be babying him a little compared to his peers.
We live rurally and have a shop within a two minute walk. I'm thinking a good start to building some independence would be leaving him home if one of has to pop to the shop. We'd be back in ten minutes max. The naughtiest thing hes likely to do is enjoy some extra screen time and hit the treat cupboard
Does this sound ok?
Among his friends there extremes of walking to school alone and supervising siblings to not being let out of a parents sight for two minutes so I've no idea what is 'normal' at this age.

I think your son is old enough to go to the shop for you (unless it's for wine 😉) as well as stay at home for 10 minutes. You should ask him and see what he thinks.

Ha ha I would agree but he's nervous. Before lockdown we'd started getting him to go to the till himself etc but he's become very clingy so I want to time it right. He's really very sensible but I feel quite young for his age after the last year.

If he's not ready then that's fine too. I personally started when the kids asked to (about age 8) and see that sort of age group at the local Coop. First time might have been letting them watch telly when they were ill while I picked up siblings from school but they are teenagers so it's been a while.

Maybe start with small steps like having him wait outside the shop or you waiting outside the shop while he pays for what is needed? Or would he like to chat with you on a phone while you go to the shop? If there's any roads that need crossing maybe focus on that skill too?

We've been practicing roads a lot, I let him lead when we're out together so I know he's OK with that he's also OK waiting in the car while I pop into a shop (local shop type not supermarket). Aargh, we had this all progressing but he's a different child than a year ago! I think him talking to me on the phone while I go out would be a good start