AIBU - 12 and 15 home alone after school

[NosyJosie]

I am planning for my two children to be home alone together for 2-3 hours, two or three days a week after school from September. I work.
They are both sensible, know how to grab a snack safely and typically watch tv/game in that time. I will be home in time to cook dinner and do homework.
My XH thinks this is unreasonable and irresponsible and suggested it is neglectful and he should have custody. The children do not want to live with him full time for a number of reasons.

AIBU? There are no clear official guidelines on this.

Completely normal, my two did this earlier than 12 & 15. Could easily contact me in an emergency, they make themselves something to eat, do homework, watch tv, put washing away, walk the dog, start tea etc.

They liked it and hated when we switched to wfh. It’s good for them to have some independence. What age is your ex suggesting would be reasonable bearing in mind your 15 year old will be able to have sex, drive a moped, leave school, join the army and get married in about a year!!!

Dd was doing this in year 6. That was borderline. What you’re planning is fine.

Your ex is very out of touch if he genuinely believes this to be neglectful. I would imagine he’s being difficult and/or controlling more than anything. I have year 7 & 11 who do this together every week day, no problems. It’s fine.

Mine did from 12,I phoned at 4pm to make sure she was ok and again when I set off for home.She coped fine.

12 and 15?
Sounds like ex is a dick tbh.

Totally normal, my kids were home alone in school holidays too, mine stayed at school until 4pm if I was working then walked home, but often dd2 cooked dinner, keen chef

It’s fine at that age, surely. My ds was alone after school until 6pm when he was in year five, and nothing too bad happened. There were a few close calls though!

What does he think you should do with them after school? Not work so that you can look after them?
They will be fine, the 15 year old is nearly old enough to get married!
But if he wants to source childcare and pay for it, let him look. I don't think he'll find any though.
I also think he'd struggle to get custody of children that age who don't want to live with him.

I used to love it when I was at school to get home and find mum was out. Yay. I used to raid the biscuit tin and sprawl on the settee (in my uniform!) to watch Blue Peter and Crackerjack. It used to be positively disappointing to get home and find mum in really.
Your husband doesn't know what he's talking a out.

It's fine to leave them alone for that amount of time at that age.

Totally normal, and they’ll be perfectly happy with a bit of independence. You XH is talking nonsense