How old is old enough?

[LunaHardy]

To be at home alone? My ds is 12, nearly 13 and recently he has been walking home from school and letting himself in with a key. He's at home alone for about 45 mins before either me or dh get home from work. Is this unreasonable? Ds is very sensible and tbh just plonks himself in front of the TV until we get back. Someone at work said they thought it was too young and now I'm doubting whether or not I should be allowing this

You know your child best but I wouldn't say that was too young. He's in high school presumably, knows how to call someone if he needs them, you said he's fairly sensible.

Oh good grief, course it's not too young. My Year 6 10 year old sometimes does this. and we leave his 14 year old brother alone for entire evenings.

You are your child's mother, not your colleague, how could they possibly make this kind of judgment on your child's maturity?

Absolutely fine.

@DivGirl he's in year 8. He has a mobile phone and always rings one of us when he gets home to let us know he's in safely. He's just grown up really suddenly and said he didn't want to go to the after school club anymore. Glad someone agrees, maybe it's personal preference.

Yes, that's fine.

This is fine.

@TwigTheWonderKid that's good to know, thanks. He's my eldest so he's the guinea pig for these sort of things when I was about 11 I used to collect my sister (about 7 at the time) from school and walk home with her!

Thanks everyone - knew I shouldn't have second guessed myself.

Most kids have to do this from secondary school age don’t they?

@NotYourHun my sons school actually has an after school club option. It's like a homework club. I know not all secondary schools have this option though.

My thinking usually is that if my children are happy to do something by themselves then that's the sign that they are ready, even if perhaps I'm not!

Absolutely fine, 45 minutes isn't long, would just make sure he could call you/ neighbours in the very unlikely event of an emergency