looking after a 10 year old with a broken leg

[georgilly]

My oldest child is 10 and has just fractured a bone in his leg. He is in a plaster-cast and is using crutches. I need to take my younger child to various activities. I would be interested in your views as to whether I should leave the 10 year old at home alone or in a car unattended for short periods, eg 15-20 mins, whilst I take my younger child to his activities.
The alternative is that he hobbles everywhere with me, in pain, and making a short trip in to an epic voyage......

I think you would be ok to leave him at home for short periods in these circumstances

staying in the car with a computer game/book would also be ok

take your mobile phone...tell him not answer hose phone/door etc...all the usual safety stuff

is there a neighbour that could just keep an ear out ?

I sympathise

of course! He is 10. I think it's fine.

No - he is better left reading/watching TV/ on computer etc.

Perhaps tell him not to use anything 'dangerous' e.g. boil kettle/ make toast while you're gone.

Also he may prefer to have a radio/music on, as a house can feel rather empty and scarey to a child who is getting used to it for the first time.

Thanks for your advice. To update:

In the evening, when it was dark, and I had to leave him for 20 minutes, I asked my neighbour if she could look after him, which she did.

Being always independent and "not wanting to trouble anyone", I have found it hard to ask for help, but to my surprise, everyone has been more than helpful.

One mum even took my younger child home from school, gave him tea, took him to his swimming lesson and delivered him home, very happy, afterwards.

there ya go..

ask and you shall receive

people are surprisingly keen to help