WWYD Re yr 7 DS & Childcare ?

skylight

Mojisola wrote: »

That's a good one.

Do you have a plan for dealing with someone approaching her on the way home saying that you've been taken ill and they've been sent to take her to the hospital or a similar setup?

It's important not to scare a child with all the possibilities (which are all unlikely to happen) while giving them the skills to cope if something out of the ordinary does happen.

She is 11. She knows this stuff already. Plus she has been doing martial arts/self defense for some years and this is all covered regularly in that.

Fortunately, we are 5 mins from the school and most of the school kids walk in our direction anyway - there will be masses of kids wandering around; safety in numbers and all that.

Mojisola

skylight wrote: »

She is 11. She knows this stuff already. Plus she has been doing martial arts/self defense for some years and this is all covered regularly in that.

Fortunately, we are 5 mins from the school and most of the school kids walk in our direction anyway - there will be masses of kids wandering around; safety in numbers and all that.

It's good to hear of children with these skills.

I am shocked at some of the posts on MSE saying things like "My 'baby' is only 16 - he can't be expected to make a hot drink himself" - okay, a bit of an exaggeration but there are a lot of young adults out there who haven't been helped to be independent.

thriftylass

I was home alone after school from 10/11 and had to do chores then my home work and then I could go out in the backyard to play (needed to leave a note where I was). And I let myself out in the morning as my parents started work before me having to be in school (they just made sure I was up). I wouldn't have dared not to go to school. But it all depends on how you judge your own child and I guess today we are over protective whereas independence at that age wasn't an issue 20 years ago. I also cooked small snacks (gas hob, maybe from the age of 13/14) and went to the shops (part of the chores) before my parents got home. Just try it and see how it goes.

Lexie

We were in the same scenario 2 years ago (DD just gone into year 9).

After school clubs are your best friend if the idea of him being alone that length of time is whats bothering you.

There were all sorts of clubs my DD could join, dance, trampolining, drama, science, all different sports. Also, if there was nothing to take her fancy good old homework club, she get most, if not all done in this hour after school, then when she got home had the entire evening to herself.

Also, when she made new friends, worked out who walked her way home sometimes they'd go the park together and It can be amazing that a 15 min walk too and from school can turn into a 45 minute gossip (or football kick about for a boy) stopping off at the shop walk. So all in all she would only be in the house for about an hour.

I was the most paranoid parent ever, made sure I had my mobile on me (even though its against company policy), made sure she text me every 20 min. Made her phone me as she was leaving so I knew she'd locked the door, text me when she got to and from school.

Seems like you've got good practises in place.

Hippipal

I really think it depends on how sensible your son is. Some children are ready at 11 to be home alone and some aren't. So long as he has people to ask for help and will not be scared of actually asking and you trust him to do what he is told then I don't think there will be a problem. Where I live it is normal for people at high school to go home alone if parents are working.
I used to be a childminder and never had children over 11, not because I wouldn't have them, but because parents never sent them at that age.

nottslass_2

So far,so good................

Set his phone alarm for 5 mins before he has to leave,which gave him a warning to get bag,shoes and coat on.

He has a laminated list of instructions on what he can/cannot do .

As a bonus he even remembered to brush his teeth and let the dog out

Mojisola

nottslass wrote: »

So far,so good................

Set his phone alarm for 5 mins before he has to leave,which gave him a warning to get bag,shoes and coat on.

He has a laminated list of instructions on what he can/cannot do .

As a bonus he even remembered to brush his teeth and let the dog out

And back in again? :rotfl:

Spendless

Mojisola wrote: »

And back in again? :rotfl:

That made me laugh.:D Today I left the instructions for 13yo to collect his 10yo sister from school and catch the bus into town together to meet me, but I never thought to include the instruction 'stick out your hand to make bus stop for you to board' and DS forgot he needed to do it.

Glad it's going well nottslass.:T