Leaving child alone overnight for the first time

[GlitterRain]

He’s 17. I know he will be fine. I know many kids do this at a younger age, but it just hasn’t come up yet, and he has always been quite ‘young’ for his age until this last year. We’ve walked him through everything. He has a relative 10 mins down the road for emergencies, and we’ll only be 45 mins away, and not drinking, so can get back if needs be. I know this is a necessary step before he leaves home (!). He doesn’t drink or smoke or do drugs. No chance of him throwing a party or doing anything outrageous - the worst thing he’ll do is spend too long on his computer. We’re giving him money for a take away so no cooking risk. But all the worst case scenarios are running through my mind. Someone please reassure me before I drive myself crazy!

https://www.gov.uk/law-on-leaving-your-child-home-alone#:~:text=The%20law%20does%20not%20say,home%20or%20in%20a%20car.

Most? I don’t think so. Parents tend to work around school times or arrange childcare or wfh or are sahp.

You’re giving him take away money so there’s no “cooking risks” Hes 17 not a 9 year old. I would like to think that he cooks for himself regularly!

You need to give this boy some life lessons asap or else you’re setting him up for a life of depending on someone else or being a failure.

Irrespective of anyone's view that a different country's way is the correct way, the UK norm is that schools would raise a concern at a 7yo being left alone for two hours a night and getting themselves to school on their own.

Neighbours may report and it would be considered unusual in the UK.

I think twelve and secondary age are pretty interchangeable, as it is guidance only. But also lots of parents arrange things to be home.

Lucky you! He'll be fine, unlike my DS (16.5) who would definitely have a party or at least a few (about 50) friends over for a "gathering". We can't leave him 🙄

Which country allows this?