I am wondering at what age others have felt comfortable leaving their children home alone for short periods of time? I have on occasion left my son (a very sensible 10-and three-quarters) at home for half an hour or so, with strict instructions not to answer the door etc. My daughter (aged 4) is due to start ballet lessons and I am deliberating about whether to drag him along with me or leave him for and hour and a half every week so he could get on with his homework. What would you do?