Children in park unsupervised

[FreshStart2025]

There is a park-run in our local park that I would like to do. As a single parent, it’s tricky with the children though (I have no family in the area). Do you think I could leave my nearly 12 year old alone in the swing area (in the same park, I’d run past) supervising my 7.5 year old for 30 mins whilst I run? Or would that be frowned upon!

Ok for 12 year old but not to leave the little one.

Absolutely fine

You will probably be in sight most of the time, and have your phone on, can't see an issue.

Do they get on ok? Is the 22yo sensible & would the 7yo behave?

Depending on the actual children, I'd do it.

Are they happy to be left?
Does 12 year old have phone?
If you are happy to jump out of the race if there are any issues, I'd do it.

Kids round here go to the little park near me from about 8 .with their friends I think its fine for half an hour.

I think this is totally fine

Absolutely fine.

12 year old is more than old enough to do this. Are they not at secondary school? I was out on my own all the time at that age

Completely fine. Mine are 10 and 8 and have been going to the park alone for over a year

I know some 12 year olds are really babied on MN but this sounds fine.

I was babysitting for people’s children at 13 so watching your sibling at 12, especially when sibling isn’t a baby, is absolutely fine.

They get on well, she does have a phone and will be starting secondary school next month. She goes to park alone with friends now.

Just do it, if there is a problem they can run and find you 😀

Yes! Enjoy it!

Absolutely fine

Dd can call you if her brother falls or something.

Yes if the 7 year old is well behaved and not likely to run off etc, and the 12 year old is happy with the idea

You could definitely leave the 7 year old with a 22 year old for 30 mins! 😂 Although on MN maybe not!

7 year old is not "little"!

Of course it's fine OP. My DS used to play out from this age. I was younger. It's only in very recent years people have become way too over cautious about this and it does children no good whatsoever.