When did you first leave your child home alone?

[steppinOnLego]

At what age did you first leave your child home alone for a couple of hours (3-4) ?

Context: my ten year old would like to stay at home whilst we go to church on a Sunday - I've never forced faith upon him, I would rather he found his way there should he choose to, so currently he attends with us - sometimes he listens and joins in, sometimes he takes his tablet and plays games etc
There is a great safe outdoor space there - so the sunny weather means he can be outside if he chooses too.
He's asked me today when he can be left at home (no doubt to try and be #1 on Battle Fortnite ps4 ) I've told him that whilst I trust him to be sensible - I don't feel comfortable in leaving him yet - but it got me thinking "when is it ok?"

I'd love your perspective please x

It very much depends on the child. We left DS at 10 but not for the couple of hours you’d probably be at church for. He’s a very sensible chap though and we have very good neighbours and also have family nearby.

My youngest is 10 and I’ve only left her while I go to the corner shop a couple of times

It also depends on what he’ll be doing when he goes to high school. If He’ll be home alone for a bit after school, it’s only fair to let him get used to being in the home alone before year 7 starts.

Depends on lots of things - is there a neighbour who he could ask for help if necessary, does he have a way of contacting you in an emergency, do you trust him not to cook / open the door to strangers / leave the taps running etc? I'd say that is quite a long time alone for a 10yo, but might be ok in some circumstances, if the 10yo was sensible and happy with the arrangements.

Great user name flannels. I often wonder where mine go to, a bit like odd socks. Could they be migrating to your house?

Depends on the child. I generally start with popping to the corner shop for 10 mins about age 8. By 10 I have left mine for 3-4 hours in phone contact.

@JiltedJohnsJulie Thanks! Mine make an ever taller and more wobbly pile on the shelf of the airing cupboard, so maybe yours are sneaking in to join them :-)

Dreaming of wobbly piles of flannels. DD has a serious flannel habit must make a note to buy more flannels