leaving children on their own?

glitter_fairy

At what age did you?

I have a 9 and 10 year old who can walk to and from school together, and have stayed alone for up to an hour and have been in the house for around 5 hours while I was at work and their dad was asleep (he was on nights not being lazy)

The problem I have is I have a client tomorrow and my childcare has let me down. I cant afford to cancel the client, and this is the only time she can do. I have asked everyone else I can think of but no one is free.

I would be gone about 3.5 hours and will be half an hour away,

silvercar

Where is Dad?

glitter_fairy

silvercar wrote: »

Where is Dad?

sorry forgot to mention dad is at work, or he would be at home with them like he is on saturday and sunday x

whitewing

Could client come to you? Then girls can stay upstairs out of the way.

James_Lahey

I've been in similar situations, mine are 10 and 11 and mature for their ages.

I will leave them for up to an hour but feel uncomfortable doing more - tough decision, do you have a neighbour you know well enough to have on standby perhaps?

nzmegs

Sorry, 9 & 10 is far too young to be left alone in the house. My son is nearly 14 and I still only leave him for an hour or two at the most and never in charge of our younger daughter who is 11.

I think you need to rethink your priorities. your kids should come before work - sorry.

Kaz2904

Do you trust your children to be alone for that long? Mine would murder each other! If they are sensible and have contact numbers, know the rules about cooking etc it could be ok. Is there a trusted neighbour who could be on standby? Is there any way they can come with you?

Kaz2904

nzmegs wrote: »

I think you need to rethink your priorities. your kids should come before work - sorry.

That's a little unfair. Not everyone has that option.

BugglyB

nzmegs wrote: »

Sorry, 9 & 10 is far too young to be left alone in the house. My son is nearly 14 and I still only leave him for an hour or two at the most and never in charge of our younger daughter who is 11.

I think you need to rethink your priorities. your kids should come before work - sorry.

Regardless of whether she should leave them alone, that is unfair. If you note the OP said she cant afford to let down her client. Paying the mortgage so the kids have somehwere to live is also a priority. Its not like shes going to a spa day.

OP for what its worth I think the very fact you are asking means you are not happy or confident about it. Dont know what to suggest to you though.

CuppaTea

nzmegs wrote: »

Sorry, 9 & 10 is far too young to be left alone in the house. My son is nearly 14 and I still only leave him for an hour or two at the most and never in charge of our younger daughter who is 11.

I think you need to rethink your priorities. your kids should come before work - sorry.

Hey that's a bit harsh and un-necessary. She's asked for advice not criticism. Many would disagree and say your too protective. Its never a one size fits all rule as are children are all different as are their situations and housing environments.

In many ways the OP is thinking of her children by asking the question for advice and as she needs to earn money for her children.

OP I wish I had a suggestion, but you say you have explored all the options.
Can the children go to work with you, do homework/ help out etc. Is there a teenager on your street who knows the children well enough "babysit". Any mums from school or asking on facebook if anyone can help, you could offer your services back for another day your free. A mum may well be in the same situation as you.

Hope you sort it soon.

WestonDave

I'd be more concerned about the half an hour away than the time alone - if you are next door and they can call you, then even if one of them falls, bangs their head etc and is unconcious you can be back in seconds to care for them. Half an hour away means the uninjured child is left caring for their sibling for that length of time or calling for an ambulance etc.

I'd be more inclined to get them to come and sit in a corner with a book/DS/laptop etc but if that isn't possible then safety has to come before cash unfortunately.