At what age would you leave your DC home alone?

[MorocconOil]

My DS1 age 8 was sent home from school early with a tummy ache. He made a quick recovery!

When it came to collecting my other ds from school(5 minutes walk away) I considered leaving DS at home on his own. He is very sensible and wouldn't open the door to a stranger etc?

What would you do?

i would leave him for 10 minutes at that age

in fact, I was walking home on my own from school at that age.

Yes so was I, but I was concerned I might be judged as neglectful in this day and age.

you won't be judged by me

Thanks belgo

mimi, that is about the age when I started leaving es alone for short times when necessary.
He is now 11 and is left sometimes for a few hours by himself, he knows if he needs an adult then there are plenty of trustworthy neighbours who would be able to help, etc...

It just seems right now somehow. He's calmed down alot and I think it's time to give him a bit of responsibility for himself, and to know that I trust him not to do anything silly. I wouldn't leave him alone with a friend though

10 mins or so is fine from 8/9 imo.

First started leaving ds alone for couple of hours when he was 11, but always had mobile switched on/lectures about fireguard/cooking/opening door etc.

Dd is just 9. At 8.5, as she was recovering from a nasty bout of tonsillitus, I left her in the house alone to collect ds3 from nursery. She was absolutely fine, but would have felt iller actually coming out with me.

Thanks all. Now I can have a clear conscience if I ever leave him. Oh the power of Mumsnet