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Parenting

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Original poster

Would you leave a ill 11yr old at home alone all day whilst you went to visit a friend ??

15 replies

MrsMorgan · 30/09/2009 11:36

Have been thinking about this all morning.

Someone I know, has left their 11yr old son at home until roughly 4:30 tonight whilst she goes to visit a friend.

The 11yr old has been off school since Monday with high temp, aches and then this morning was sick.

He is used to being home alone, but I can't help thinking that leaving him whilst he is ill, so that his mum can go and socialise isn't on.

Not sure though if I am just being ott.

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HeadFairy · 30/09/2009 11:38

Depends if the visit to the friend was really quite important, ie more than just a chat over a cuppa.

Was there someone the 11 year old could call if needed (neighbour etc)

Instinctively I'd say no though.

Pingpong · 30/09/2009 11:39

LadyGlencoraPalliser · 30/09/2009 11:39

If they were a bit poorly, then I might. High temp and being sick - definitely not.

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AmazingBouncingFerret · 30/09/2009 11:41

I would say no. I remember my niece being ill and home from school and my sister having something important on at work she was in a panic worrying about her until I could get over and pick her up (she lives about an hour away)
Being ill and alone isnt very nice especially for a child.

Original poster

MrsMorgan · 30/09/2009 11:42

As far as I know, the visit to friend is just to catch up and nothing of importance.

The child could call his mum if he needed her, but i'd say it would take her about 20 minutes to get back home.

If he'd not been sick today and was slightly improved, and if the mum had had to go to work, and not to socialise then I think i'd feel more ok with it, but as it is I do think she is wrong to leave him.

OP posts:

Fennel · 30/09/2009 11:45

I might, if the child was OK with it and could phone if they felt ill or lonely. I was a very happy latchkey child, it seems normal to me, and now I do so with my dc. they love it and beg for more time home alone. lots of children don't see it as a negative thing.

whoingodsnameami · 30/09/2009 11:47

Absolutely not.

Original poster

MrsMorgan · 30/09/2009 11:48

I don't think her ds does mind, and she said he will no doubt spend all day on the computer, but it just doesn't sit right with me.

OP posts:

belgo · 30/09/2009 12:17

I wouldn't. A couple of hours maybe to do some shopping.

OrmIrian · 30/09/2009 12:18

it depends on how ill and whether child was happy with it.

Seuss · 30/09/2009 14:28

No, especially not for a social call and when he has been sick this morning. Pop to the shop maybe but nothing more.

cory · 30/09/2009 19:00

Not for socialising and not if there is any risk that a temperature will suddenly go very high. But I have left my 11yo at home to go to work - she's been ok with that.

buy1get1free · 30/09/2009 19:02

No. Not only because it's illegal, but because it's bloody irresponsible - he was ill FGS

LadyFoof · 30/09/2009 19:02

No! DD is ill today and I left her for 20 mins to take DS to school, plus she wrapped up and sat in the car with her mobile whilst I did a very quick supermarket run. It's pretty miserable to feel ill, and to be deserted on top of that (something my dear mum did a lot) is just heartless, unless it's an emergency.

LynetteScavo · 30/09/2009 19:05

WEll, no I wouldn't.

What makes you say it is illegal, Buy1GetOneFree?

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