Leaving children home without a babysitter: what age?

[Dixit]

DS is 14, DD is 11 (Year 7 at school, but one of the younger ones). DH and I have been invited to a party on a Saturday evening. It's a 10 minute drive away. We will probably be back between 11 and midnight. Kids are happy to be left at home without an adult. They have been at home without an adult during the daytime before, but never this late. Interested to hear what others would do in this situation. TIA.

gohaze - there is no legal age for leaving children in the UK.

There is no legal age for leaving children in the UK.

Mine are 6 and 3, but I imagine by the time they are 14 and 11 I will be able to leave them alone. I do leave my 6 year old alone for very short periods - nipping to the corner shop/postbox type errands. She is very sensible.

We've left DSs aged 14.5 and 13.5 a couple of times for a lengthy period - First was a wedding fairly local - I didn't drink so I could drive home if required and neighbours were available. We left about 2ish and were home at 1am which was a lot later than anticipated - I called a couple of times and we texted back and forth. I'd pre ordered a Domino's delivery for their dinner. They loved it, no-one to moan about how long they were on screen etc.

We did it again this weekend, we were further away (40 mins by train) but out for less time, left 3pm and home at 11.15 - would have been a bit earlier but the show ended a bit later than we thought so we had a while to wait for a train. Again, we kept in touch by text and they had Domino's for dinner - neighbours again on hand if needed.

I would say though that they get on very well and are very very compliant. For example they Text to ask if they could have crisps and some fizzy juice that I'd put in the fridge as a treat.

I think this age is pretty good as they have no girlfriends for us to worry about, they wouldn't touch alcohol or have a party etc - clearly that may change but we are enjoying it for the moment - we have a party at the end of May so will be doing it again but that one starts a lot later so they may not get their Dominos :o

My dd is 13 next month. I have left her & her db who's 11 at home during the day for up to an hour before. My dd has inset Monday but I've got a meeting on Monday which means she will be alone for 4 & 1/2 hours. She is fine with it & so am I but my dm has said no she will babysit as its too long for her to be on her own. Alright mum chill out, probably best not to tell her I've left her on her own before

We left ds in charge at 14 , dd was 11, and he has babysat for friends occasionally since then too.

DS is 13 and we leave him. Have left during the day for an hour or so for quite a while but only recently at night.

Started by leaving for about an hour and a half going to a school PTA meeting ten minutes away.

Now will leave him and go out for the evening but never too far away. He is pretty sensible.

My friend is not keen to leave her two girls as they are likely to fight!