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Original poster

shocked - mum left 9 yr old at home on own

366 replies

katiekittlemouse · 10/03/2009 20:30

was at a sports centre today with dd's and shocked to hear that whilst taking her youngest 2 dd's swimming had left the eldest dd who is just 9yrs old at home on her own!!!

I am shocked! would you do that??? I wouldn't for sure!

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FlorenceofArabia · 10/03/2009 20:55

I wouldn't be shocked. Very much depends on the 9 year old. Would I do it? Depends what DD is like in 5 years time.

bananapaddlepop · 10/03/2009 20:58

My parents left me at home alone alot when I was nine. I don't think it's that shocking to be honest.

mulranno · 10/03/2009 20:58

Yes I leave my 7 and 8 year olds at home together if I need to pick up another ...1/2hr round trip. They have special instructions...dont answer phone (unless me 3 rings, ring again)...dont answer door, dont go out...have my mob,and next door neighbours number on speed dial....I leave my 10 year on his own if I need to drop off etc

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funkadelic · 10/03/2009 21:04

Most Mum's of 9yr olds are starting to do this within the last year, for short periods, with no problems

funkadelic · 10/03/2009 21:05

That I know, sorry sounds like I am speaking for everyone!! I would yes unless my child appeared wildly irresponsible.

MrsMcCluskey · 10/03/2009 21:07

I leave my 9yr old DS at home when i take DS2 swimming, about 45 mins in total.
He stays is watching TV and can phone me if he needs to.
He is very sensible.
Dont understand why you are so shocked.

castille · 10/03/2009 21:08

Not shocked at all!

I do occasionally, because my 9yo is perfectly happy to be at home alone for short periods and has been for ages. She knows my mobile number and is perfectly capable and sensible.

wheesht · 10/03/2009 21:09

Yes I would and have with absolutely no problems. Depends on the child though.

Remember this topic being raised a few years ago so am off to rake out my hard hat

MagNacarta · 10/03/2009 21:10

I leave my 9 yr old while I take the youngest to a club, it's a 15 min round trip. I wouldn't leave her on her own for any longer and she is the most sensible girl I've come across.

Original poster
katiekittlemouse · 10/03/2009 21:10

oh dear I am outnumbered, maybe I am not with the times... I am not sure if I would leave mine - okay she is not 9 yet - maybe I will have to change my mindset..

OP posts:
Heated · 10/03/2009 21:11

I made my own way home using London public transport at 9yrs onwards. We were trusted to be in the house on our own after school when I was about 8 or so, although we had neighbours to call on next door. Would very much depend on the child tbh.

MadamDeathstare · 10/03/2009 21:12

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beanieb · 10/03/2009 21:13

wouldn't shock me.

ByThePowerOfGreyskull · 10/03/2009 21:14

I would not be shocked at all.

LadyGlencoraPalliser · 10/03/2009 21:15

Not shocked at all. My nine year old is very capable and sensible, would have no problem leaving her on her own for an hour or so. But I know that if your children are not that age yet it can be hard to imagine them being ready.

MadamDeathstare · 10/03/2009 21:17

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LadyGlencoraPalliser · 10/03/2009 21:18

PMSL @ MadamDeathstare. I was once called to assist a neighbour's 16 year old son. He wanted to cook a pizza but was too scared to to light the oven. He had managed to light a ring on the hob though, so had placed the frozen pizza on top of a saucepan of water on the hob in the hope that it might cook that way.

CoteDAzur · 10/03/2009 21:18

I was 8 when parents went out for dinner and left me alone at home with my brother (3) who was asleep in bed.

I had their phone number and knew how to use a phone. Also knew several people in the same apartment building I could call on in case of need.

What is the big deal?

HerBeatitudeLittleBella · 10/03/2009 21:19

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singsong · 10/03/2009 21:19

The thing about the 20 yr old and the pressure cooker has shocked me!

beanieb · 10/03/2009 21:21

Aw bless you katiekittlemouse, I will probably change my mind too . It's easy to say what you would do when you're not in that situation yourself and people do things differently according to how grown-up they know their kids are.

Loads of people will say what I did, that they would leave their kids (my opinion is based on being left alone at 9 by my parents) and others will feel that it's too young. Parenting isn't exact is it?

I'm sitting here, someone who is hoping to conceive her first, without really knowing how I will be as a parent and passing judgement on things I know nothing about.

choosyfloosy · 10/03/2009 21:22

LOL madam deathstare.

Not shocked by this. I have to say I am not sure that ds will be that ready for this at 9, simply because he so LOATHES being on his own. I would rather send him off on his bike to the park at this age so that he can meet up with a few mates, than solo at home. But then he's only 5 so a lot can happen in 4 years.

UndertheBoredwalk · 10/03/2009 21:23

Nope not shocking at all really. My DD is 8 and I'll leave her for 15-20 mins. She knows not to answer the door or the phone, knows which neighbours to go to if she needs and how to use the phone, she's a sensible child.
Every time I've left her she's in exactly the same place and position when I get back (in front of the telly lol)

Coldtits · 10/03/2009 21:23

I was left at nine. I was sensible, and perfectly safe.

nnibnabs · 10/03/2009 21:25

Me and my brother used to be left alone at that age. My mum would even go on holiday and leave us - me being about 13 and my bro 15. We had a neighbour who would come in and out and would go to friends for dinner, but on our own most of the time. That was years ago, and we were incredibly mature and trusted. Wouldn't do it nowadays! Would be banged up!