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Original poster

can a 10 year old (just turned) stay at home alone for one and half hours?

42 replies

AMAZINWOMAN · 11/03/2007 21:37

very confident, able and indpendent 10 year old wants to stay at home alone for one and half hours (due to me having to stay at work late one off. brilliant at DIY, using kettles, toaster and can use cooker. He wants to stay at home alone-hat do you think

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7weeks · 11/03/2007 21:43

Didn't leave mine till they were 12 but all kids are different.

I don't think I would leave them for that long the first time. Wanting to stay on their own and reality are often very different.

Have you got neighbours close by he could call on if worried?

FrannyandZooey · 11/03/2007 21:43

Yes, no problem.

CountTo10 · 11/03/2007 21:43

Hmmmmm as far as I know it's illegal to knowingly leave a child under the age of 15 alone but i may be wrong on that. It's difficlut becasue 1.5hrs may not sound a long time and they may be very independant etc but if anything happened would she know what to do etc? Is there a neighbour that could perhaps pop round or at least in and out just to check that everything is ok?

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CountTo10 · 11/03/2007 21:44

See clearly I am a drama queen and things have changed!!!!!

WideWebWitch · 11/03/2007 21:44

I would as long as I was sure he was locked in and knew how to call me, so had a mobile or something. And knew not to open the door etc.

Toothyboy · 11/03/2007 21:44

At 10 yrs old, I used to walk 5 mins home from school, let myself in and be alone for 30 -45 mins until my brothers got home from school. So, yes, for a one off, I'd say that's fine, if he's happy about it!

WideWebWitch · 11/03/2007 21:44

It's NOT illegal, we've established this many, many times on here.

Beetrootccio · 11/03/2007 21:44

i leave my 11 year old but not my 9, nearly 10 year old. He is very confident but just don't feel happy about it.

myturn · 11/03/2007 21:44

It's not illegal but you could be charged if some harm comes to the child.

filthymindedvixen · 11/03/2007 21:45

I would. Have considered it for 9.5yr old, but he is not that confident and able yet

myturn · 11/03/2007 21:46

Depends on the child. dd1 yes, dd2 ABSOLUTELY NOT.

CarGirl · 11/03/2007 21:46

I would say a few shorter practice runs - leave dd for half an hour tops (same age) but she knows not to go near kitchen or anything else for that matter....

SparklyGothKat · 11/03/2007 21:48

We have wondered about this with our DS who is 9, very trustworthly, wouldn't do anything silly, but I just don't feel right about it.

Original poster
AMAZINWOMAN · 11/03/2007 21:49

I am confident he will be OK alone, hes better than me in a crisis!! But not too sure about the time. Also worried that it will be like opening a can of worms, he always as to push the boundaries. He will be aruing over having the house to himself all weekend soon and hes very strong minded!

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DumbledoresGirl · 11/03/2007 21:49

I leave my 10 year old son (preferably with his 9 yo brother as I prefer th two of them being together) for about 30 or 40 minutes on occasions.

If you trust him and he wants to do it, ther is no harm in giving it a go. I would make sure he knew my number and I always tell mine to ignore the phone and the doorbell.

FrannyandZooey · 11/03/2007 21:50

Illegal to knowingly leave a child under 15 alone?

What sort of a bonkers insane law would that be then?

I was travelling across the country by myself when I was 14.

What do people think is going to happen to a 10 year old left for 90 mins on their own in their own house?

DumbledoresGirl · 11/03/2007 21:51

Calm yourself F&Z, it isn't illegal.

Saturn74 · 11/03/2007 21:51

I think it would be fine.

FrannyandZooey · 11/03/2007 21:51

"very confident, able and indpendent"

Sorted. I agree some children would not be ready for this responsibility but really, it is not a huge deal to be on your own for a bit at age 10.

FrannyandZooey · 11/03/2007 21:52

I know that DG, I just wondered how someone could think that it was?

CountTo10 · 11/03/2007 22:02

I think in days gone by it was and I meant to say 13 not 15. NSPCC guidelines use 13 as a guideline but use maturity etc as the main indicator - if you have put them at risk from leaving them on their own, that is a totally different story though - not that I'm saying that's what's happening here!!!! I would say as long as there was another point of contact other than yourself and ground rules were put in place - only you really know your child and know what they can and can't handle etc.

Saturn74 · 11/03/2007 22:04

By the time he's got himself a drink and a snack, and watched one movie you'd be home!
If he's happy and keen to do it, I think it's a positive thing.

Original poster
AMAZINWOMAN · 11/03/2007 22:13

thanks for all your replies. I needed some second opinions! occasionally its times like this i miss having a partner

OP posts:
steinermum · 11/03/2007 22:20

You know your child. Discuss strategies and contact details. He'll be chuffed you trust him and that will pay dividends in terms of his maturity

stitch · 11/03/2007 22:24

absolutley fine.

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