leaving children on their own?

FBaby

Only you know the level of maturity of your children. What would they do if an emergency occurred? Are you confident that they would know to get out of the house immediately if there was a fire (rather than trying to kill it), not to open the door to strangers etc.... Most importantly, how do they feel about it? Are they telling you that it is fine, that they are happy about it, that they know what to do, you know the 'Gosh mummy, we are not babies, of course we'll be fine, we get along well and if there was any problems, I know to call you right away' speech.

When you say you don't have neighbours, do you mean not at all, or no one you know? If there was an emergency, would they feel they can go next door. Do you know if anyone is home during the day?

I would leave my 10 yo alone for that time, but would call every hour, and I would with the knowledge that we live in a cul de sac, with neighbours who know my kids and are around during the day.

In the end, it really isn't about what others would do with their kids, but what you think is acceptable. Don't do it if you have any doubt or worries, but if you don't, they go for it.

glitter_fairy

LEJC wrote: »

So if there was a problem at home who would your children contact....would that be you?

See I think thats not a good fall back plan as if there was an emergency you would want to be back as soon as possible and potentially need to cancel your meeting

If there was someone who was near who they trusted and you trusted then I would say it may be easier to leave them with someone "watching from afar"...but if you havent lived in the area long and the girls know no one then its very difficult IMOto leave them on their own for such a length of time

Their dad could be there in 15 minutes but thats the closest x

glitter_fairy

FBaby wrote: »

Only you know the level of maturity of your children. What would they do if an emergency occurred? Are you confident that they would know to get out of the house immediately if there was a fire (rather than trying to kill it), not to open the door to strangers etc.... Most importantly, how do they feel about it? Are they telling you that it is fine, that they are happy about it, that they know what to do, you know the 'Gosh mummy, we are not babies, of course we'll be fine, we get along well and if there was any problems, I know to call you right away' speech.

When you say you don't have neighbours, do you mean not at all, or no one you know? If there was an emergency, would they feel they can go next door. Do you know if anyone is home during the day?

I would leave my 10 yo alone for that time, but would call every hour, and I would with the knowledge that we live in a cul de sac, with neighbours who know my kids and are around during the day.

In the end, it really isn't about what others would do with their kids, but what you think is acceptable. Don't do it if you have any doubt or worries, but if you don't, they go for it.

THey love the idea, and aare very good about knowing what to do

Its more I dont know the neigbours

ilikewatch

It entirely depends on the children, and only you know them well enough to make this decision. There are some 9 or 10 year olds who are sensible enough to be left on their own for a whole day, and some 15 year olds who aren't mature enough to be left for 15 minutes...

trevorsminted

If its food on the table your local Job Centre shall give you food tokens and sorry you leave dogs at home not young kids who could set house on fire pull wardrobe on top of them (google woman whos twin boys did that) etc etc lots of unforseen things can happen, and i agree with kids come first, rearrange the meeting look after your kids properly!

his_missus

http://www.nspcc.org.uk/help-and-advice/for-parents-and-carers/parenting-advice/home-alone/home-alone_wda90761.html

This link might help regards the legal aspect of leaving a child home alone (seems there's no law regarding age)

Is there someone close by (or at least closer than the 30mins you are) like a relative they can call in an emergency? Could they call dad if something happened?

Only you know how sensible and trustworthy they are. Can you leave them with strict instructions and trust them to adhere to them?

I suppose it comes down to how comfortable you are leaving them alone and whether you would spend all day distracted and worried about them.

My mum often left us alone for a couple of hours after school whilst she was at work and the worst thing that happened was my sister nipped me once. We did have the old lady next door if we ever needed anything, but we never needed her.

Perhaps a new dvd, picnic style lunch and a couple of activities to keep them occupied will be enough.

Hope you find a solution xx

glitter_fairy

trevorsminted wrote: »

If its food on the table your local Job Centre shall give you food tokens and sorry you leave dogs at home not young kids who could set house on fire pull wardrobe on top of them (google woman whos twin boys did that) etc etc lots of unforseen things can happen, and i agree with kids come first, rearrange the meeting look after your kids properly!

My children are very well looked after, and I am fully aware they are not dogs. They are not stupid enough to set the house on fire, and know what to do if there was a fire.

I doubt very much I would qualify for the vouchers, we earn ok money but due to being very ill and off work for a month we are really struggling

LEJC

glitter_fairy wrote: »

Yeah terrible priority's, putting food on the table for my children is a silly thing to want to do

I completely understand your dilema....and in many cases I'M sure people do leave their children on their own for periods of time in order to work etc.....but very occaisionally things go wrong and the concequences can be bad.

Everyone whos posted here who has a general feeling of "no" isnt saying you are wrong to want to work ...but mearly pointing out that IF something happened...however small you wouldn't be saying your priority lies with putting food on the table

glitter_fairy

his_missus wrote: »

http://www.nspcc.org.uk/help-and-advice/for-parents-and-carers/parenting-advice/home-alone/home-alone_wda90761.html

This link might help regards the legal aspect of leaving a child home alone (seems there's no law regarding age)

Is there someone close by (or at least closer than the 30mins you are) like a relative they can call in an emergency? Could they call dad if something happened?

Only you know how sensible and trustworthy they are. Can you leave them with strict instructions and trust them to adhere to them?

I suppose it comes down to how comfortable you are leaving them alone and whether you would spend all day distracted and worried about them.

My mum often left us alone for a couple of hours after school whilst she was at work and the worst thing that happened was my sister nipped me once. We did have the old lady next door if we ever needed anything, but we never needed her.

Perhaps a new dvd, picnic style lunch and a couple of activities to keep them occupied will be enough.

Hope you find a solution xx

Dad is 15 mins away, I would leave them food that didnt need heating, fruit, tjhings to make sandwiches etc

Claree__x

I walked home from school to an empty house from primary 7 onwards (about 10 I think?). My mum would be home anything from 2 hours later to 5 hours later because of work. My brother is 10 months older so not an adult either.

We were fine, to be honest I think it made us more responsible! I know this isn't a regular thing you're suggesting but it's not the end of the world.