From what age can kids stay and play?

[BlazeMonster]

Dd had a friend from preschool over with her mum for the first time today. They had the best time, DD was so happy. I have also been to their house with DD once before for a coffee while the children play.

They are both 4.5y old. At what point would you be OK to drop off your child to play for a couple of hours without staying around?

I know the mum is very busy and never gets a break so it would be no trouble for her DD to be with us for an hour or so but I didn't know if they are too young to suggest it?
I know for birthday parties parents stay with their kids until they are older so would it be similar here?

We have no family around and DD has never been anywhere without us so I have absolutely no concept of what is usually normal.

If it makes a difference they live on the next street so the parents could be back within 5 mins if there were any issues.

What do you think?

Well, it depends on your kid and the family. I leave my 2yr old with her best friend (and vice versa) because she's totally comfortable with the family. I wouldn't leave her with anyone else, probably not for years.

We've had a couple of DC2's friends over unaccompanied after school in the last couple of months, she's in reception. One was 4 about to turn 5, the other had literally just turned 5. I think they are pretty confident kids, guessing from clinginess at parties there's probably at least a third of the class who wouldn't be OK coming over alone to someone where they don't know the parents well.

I don't think there would be a problem asking, but don't be surprised if the answer is she's not ready.

Ds had his first drop and go party at 4 but I know the mum fairly well and it was a small group of friends. If I didn't know the parents I'd say 4 1/2 to 5 for a short while

my child is in reception and all those from school not one date have people left or we left our child. She has been left at our neighbours house without us and them here- but because she’s grown up with their child the same age and I am across the road.
I would say in year 1 is probably when it could start happening, once I know the parents better and vice versa.

Thank you so much that is great to know. Ok good, I was wondering if they might think it was weird we didn't offer, but sounds fair enough and very child dependent. I think I'll wait til we've had a few more playdates and offer then.

I was surprised how comfortable my DD was at their house despite being on the shy side, 6 months ago she would have been stuck to me the whole time. She's growing up!

My son is 4 and started staying over our neighbours house without me this year! I think the fact you are close for quick return is great and would deffo go ahead.

Absolutely any age is fine if you fancy it and your child won’t torture the other parent.

I think around the time they start reception is when the transition happens from parents staying to just dropping off.

Obviously as pp's have said earlier than that is absolutely fine if you're happy with it. Later is fine if your child isn't happy to go by themselves.