Childcare for 12 year old...

[Onemorefortheroad]

My daughter is 12 and is in first year at High School (Scotland, not sure what English equivalent school year is) and has never needed after school care or paid childcare as we have been lucky enough to have family helping out. Iv also been WFH during covid which has become an ongoing thing.

She's now old enough to walk home from school and stay in the house herself for a few hours if needed, if I'm in the office occasionally etc and that's all fine, she's responsible enough etc.

For various reasons, we don't have as many family options for the likes of social events etc anymore and I'm just wondering what others do. She's too young (I think anyway) to be left for too long at night but yet it feels strange to think about looking for a 'babysitter' at this stage in her life and it just got me a bit curious about what others do at this age/stage?

[PuneorPlayonWords]

Does she have a sensible friend you could invite for a sleepover? I have left my 13yo with her friend (both with phones and the other mum also nearby) for a few hours in the evening. Have left 11yo with his best mate and a phone but only until early evening, not night time.

[Onemorefortheroad]

Yeah that's something to consider actually so she's not on her own. She has done that for a friend herself for a few hours before.