Latch key kids?

[superdeeduper]

Can you let me know at what age your kids got a key to the house and were able to let themselves in after school.

My eldest got his key last year when he started high school. Lets himself in, locks the door behind him and I am home within the hour. He is a very sensible lad and has shown that he can be trusted with the responsibility. We have a dog who is quite protective of the house and is good at barking if anyone comes to the door. My son has been told not to answer the door but I feel the dog is an added bit of security. So far so good.

Anyway, my question is about his sister who will starting the last year of primary in Aug. Do you think this is too young to have a key to the house and are their legal issues regarding this? Again, she is very sensible and I know I could trust her but not sure where I stand legally and would not want to do anything which would get us into trouble.

I had a key at this age but we are talking 30 years ago now! Have things changed?

My son who is in year 6 has a key and is home for about 15-30 minutes on his own. I think he is fine.

BUT, I think I would be more reluctant to leave him and his sister on their own as they would be very likely to mess around or fight - what are your dcs like together? I think the answer to your question depends on what their behaviour together would be like.

My 13yr old has had a key since she was 10, but I was always home in those days when she came in. Obviously she loses it with great regularity so it's not a reliable way now for her to get in, but the neighbours have a key which she regularly uses.

My 10yr old has a key (but ditto about being home when she gets home from school, for now), but I would be ok about her being here for up to an hour on her own, especially if her big sister is here too.

my 12 y.o. has a key and lets himself in after school when i am l8 home from work although my 9 y.o. has to go round the corner to my friends house and w8 there 4 me because they would prob. mess about if they were left alone together & thats hassle i can do without!!

we have a keysafe (little box with 4 digit code) with a key in as ds (15) has lost SO many house keys in last 3 years

think he first had key at around age 12.. and would be home for up to an hour before us. my parents live about 10 doors away so i was never too worried.

according to direct.gov there is no 'legal minimum age' for a child to be left alone, but you must be satisfied they are not 'at risk'.

all mine got a key when they started middle school...year 5,but i'm usually home. it was just so i can be out in the back garden or washing my hair,in kitchen,whatever,and they can just come in off school bus,which is often late.

none lost yet either