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Original poster

Leaving 11 and 8 year old

8 replies

LittleDonkeyKong · 13/12/2021 20:02

So I've been offered a job with the hours of Wednesday to friday 10am til 6pm. What are peoples opinions on leaving my 2 DDs to walk home from school (which they sometimes do anyway) and them being at home until 6pm. My place of work is literally 3 minutes drive away and I have 2 neighbours who have said they could come to them if they needed anything. My eldest has a phone with facetime etc to contact people.My girls basically sit and watch YouTube usually and do their homework during those hours. I'm in 2 minds about what to do. I am contacting childminders and nurseries about after school care but my eldest is not impressed!

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TheCreamCaker · 13/12/2021 20:05

I think they're too young to be left alone. It would be unreasonable to expect the eldest to be responsible for the younger one.

My grandchildren are 10 and 7, and they are left alone for 45 minutes until their mother gets in.

MoonlightMedicine · 13/12/2021 20:08

I have kids the same age. I wouldn't do it personally, for many reasons. Obviously all kids are different but I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving my youngest without an adult at home. My 11 year old occasionally stays home by himself for up to an hour, but I never leave his younger sister with him and I'm constantly checking in with him on FaceTime. He basically sits at his PC laying online with friends. I fear my 7 year old would be far more active and it just wouldn't feel safe.

titchy · 13/12/2021 20:08

Wow way too young Shock Ok for 20 mins while you pop to the corner shop but a couple of hours no way.

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dancemom · 13/12/2021 20:09

11 year old, yes.

8 year old, no.

11 year old responsible for the 8 year old, no.

MichaelAndEagle · 13/12/2021 20:09

@dancemom

11 year old, yes.

8 year old, no.

11 year old responsible for the 8 year old, no.

Basically this.
Forgetaboutme · 13/12/2021 20:10

I think 11 if close to 12 would have been ok but not with an 8 year old too. What if their friends come over and they go out etc? Possibly could leave an 8 year old alone. Its a lot of responsibility for that age.

ILoveMyMonkey · 13/12/2021 20:18

Will the 8 year old even be allowed to leave school grounds independently- it wouldn’t be allowed at my school.

8 seems way to young to be left alone 3 nights a week with an 11 year old in charge imo.

TabithaTiger · 13/12/2021 20:45

11 year old should be fine if she's at secondary but the 8 year old is too young. Is there an after school club she can go to?

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