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Original poster

Is 12 too young to spend the day on their own at home?

47 replies

mosschops30 · 26/05/2008 13:54

My feeling is yes but dh thinks its fine.

dd who is a very sensible 12 yr old, wants to stay alone tomorrow. She is normally on her own in the mornings from 7ish, until she leaves at 8am for the bus. Then lets herself in a 4pm until me and dh arrive 5,30ish.
She has stayed for short periods in the daytime too, is quite capable of making herself a sandwich.
She knows not to answer the door and we have a code for the phone so she only answers if the code is used.
My neighbour has just had a back op so will be home all day too

Any thoughts?

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chocolatespiders · 26/05/2008 13:56

i would say a whole day is a bit long - sorry

PuppyMonkey · 26/05/2008 13:58

I'd worry all day about her... if she had an accident or something....? Maybe a bit ott on my part, but i am quite ott.

StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 26/05/2008 13:59

I think its ok as long as she can contact someone by phone if she wants to. I used to be left at home for the day at that age if I was too poorly to go to school and I used to love watching daytime tv all day.

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FluffyMummy123 · 26/05/2008 13:59

Message withdrawn

Original poster
mosschops30 · 26/05/2008 14:03

sorry cod but could not decipher that one.

Me and dh will have our phones with us at all times, and she has number for neighbour and grandparents

OP posts:
FluffyMummy123 · 26/05/2008 14:04

Message withdrawn

FluffyMummy123 · 26/05/2008 14:04

Message withdrawn

PuppyMonkey · 26/05/2008 14:06

.. as long as the house doesn't set on fire.

I'm a pessimist, ok!

Original poster
mosschops30 · 26/05/2008 14:06

no-one popping in but i could ask neighbour to check on her a few times, but me thinks he would just get on her nerves or spoil endless watching of hanna montanna

OP posts:
Original poster
mosschops30 · 26/05/2008 14:07

if the house was on fire she'd get out the back or front door no? and she will not be using the cooker so unlikely unless massive electrical problem.
We live in a nice cul-de-sac where everyone can see everyone so Im not worried in that respect

OP posts:
ScoobyDoo · 26/05/2008 14:12

When you say ALL day what time from till do you mean?

I personally would say she would be ok as long as there is contact nr by just in case, also if you give her a few calls through the day to make sure she is fine?

Original poster
mosschops30 · 26/05/2008 14:17

from 7am til 5.30pm (a long day I know). But yes of course id phone all the time and can get neighbour to check or ring to see if she needs anything

OP posts:
bellabelly · 26/05/2008 14:18

My parents left me at this age - I would say it's fine if she is a sensible sort and if she knows what to do in an emergency.

Original poster
mosschops30 · 26/05/2008 14:26

thank you all for your replies, am feeling a bit better about the situation now

OP posts:
mumoftwo37 · 26/05/2008 14:29

I left my DS alone at 12 and leave them both alone now 11 & 13. They don't answer the door, I phone thm on their mobiles and I have a neighbour on standby just in case.

FluffyMummy123 · 26/05/2008 15:06

Message withdrawn

Saggarmakersbottomknocker · 26/05/2008 15:09

Neighbour to go to in case of emergency? No cooking?

I'd say yes.

Saggarmakersbottomknocker · 26/05/2008 15:10

Sorry lol I'm confusing things.

Yes to spending the day home alone.

StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 26/05/2008 16:16

In the unlikely event there is a fire I'm sure she's capable of getting out a door.

Strict rules of no friends round, no answer door, no cooking. She'll be fine.

3andnomore · 26/05/2008 16:20

I think it sounds o.k....and whilst I completely hate this phrase usually, lol..."but it never did me any harm"

bellavita · 26/05/2008 16:24

I would say yes it is ok.

mumeeee · 26/05/2008 22:18

I would say yes as your neighbour is next door.

KaSo · 26/05/2008 22:29

I've left my Ds1 from this age and he's always been fine. To me it's a perfectly normal age to do that.

katiekkrruunncchh · 26/05/2008 22:29

I would say no! You never know what could happen.

You could have a car accident! (God forbid)

Drunk teenage child that your child vaguely knows could turn up and they let them in although you have told DC not to let anyone in! It does happen!

A obscene phone call to your house!

Fire

Burglary! (ob not often when someone who is in!)

I am sure if I thought I could go on.

That length of time is far too long, I have a 14 yr old, and at most would leave her 3 hrs, but she can contact me anytime!

janeite · 26/05/2008 22:32

We've left dd1 (13) from about 8.30 to 4.00, with contact with dad by mobile and rules about doors, cooking and phone, since she was 12. She's been fine. Alternately, does she have a sensible friend that could come and spend the day with her? We've done this too and tbh I feel more comfortable that way.