Home Alone?

[PurpleOne]

As parents, what age do you think is reasonable enough for them to be left for a couple of hours?

I don't know if there's any hard and fast laws, but you know your own children right?!
I know it all depends on how responsible they are, how trustworthy they are and how far away you will be...and as long as it's not all day!!!

Your opinions would be most welcome.

My dc are 13 & 9, I've been leaving the eldest home alone for short periods since she started secondary school. I've been leaving the youngest for short periods for about a year. I'm not entirely happy about leaving them together (they tend to disagree & fight) but at times I have no choice. I leave for work 20mins before they leave for school and I get home an hour after them. I've set "rules" ie no answering the phone unless it's from certain people (we have caller ID) They know who they can phone if there's a problem. Don't have friends in, don't go out to play. Do not use the cooker or kettle. It's a tricky one but everyone knows their own dc best. I'm not yet ready to leave them while I go out for an evening.

There is no legal age limit, but you mustn't be seen as putting the child at risk by leaving them at home alone.
I think most people start leaving them between 11 and 13 depending on the maturity of the child.

Thanks fr your answers.

My dc are 12 and 10. my eldest dc is very mature and reliable. It's only on a Monday, where I get home 1hr and half after they get home from school.

exH has gone to the police and has asked them to come to my home with the social services (which they have, typically on a MOnday they arrived) and they seem to think I'm neglecting them.

I don't see the exH offering to take them for the hr and half. DD1 is too old for childcare, and I can't really afford it anyways.
Caught between a rock and hard place. What do you think?

If exH has a problem then he can sort it out or look after them, if not then he should butt the hell out....cannot see social services acting on this in any way if this is the only issue (I have some experience in this field)...try not to worry think you are doing the right thing..

I would have said that your dcs are of the age where they could safely be at home without worry.

What does your ex want you to do, wrap them in bubblewrap (see how I avoid the term cotton wool there)?

Your youngest dc at 10 would be the youngest I would let either dts be at home for any time alone. Its not like they are pre-schoolers and you are off on the randan, funny how the social services are quick to react when it is a single mother; ffs your ex is just creating stress for you not thinking of his children.