At what age would you leave kids alone while you holiday

swingaloo

I had just put my car in the garage tonight when a neighbour shouted me from across the road. She wanted to let me know that she was going on holiday with her boyfriend next week and asked me to keep an eye out and let her know when she returns if her kids have a party while she is away.

She has 3 children aged 13,15 and 16. she will be away 7 days.

I told her that I was going to be away myself for a couple of days mid week but that if they had a party it was more likely to be the weekend and I would be home then. She laughed and said that as school has finished they may decide to party any night!


I feel a bit uneasy, I wouldn't have left mine alone for a week at that age but maybe that's just me.

System

Certainly wouldn't have left a 13 and 15 year old, even if it was with a 17 year old.

74jax

I left my daughter when she was 16.

I was around 13/14 when I was left many years back.

maman

Obviously she knows her children best but going by her remarks about partying it doesn't sound as if she's bothered about what they get up to.

I think it's irresponsible and I wouldn't have left my children until 18.

I think if you're willing to just tell them to call you if they need any help that would be kind of you. Not sure how well you know them.

robinwales

In all seriousness I read some things on the internet and I give up all hope...

Bogof_Babe

I would tell her you can't keep an eye on the house 24 hours a day, and if she has any concerns perhaps she should ask her friends or relatives to do so, not rely on a neighbour she isn't particularly close to.

I think she has a cheek asking, and as for the situation well to an extent it depends on the maturity of the children, and I have to say girls are probably a bit more responsible than boys at that age, but it's her risk and her decision.

unholyangel

We were left on our own from the age of 15 or so. We were left when younger too, but under the supervision of older siblings or we'd stay with extended family.

We have a huge family who stay locally though.

Mojisola

swingaloo wrote: »

She wanted to let me know that she was going on holiday with her boyfriend next week and asked me to keep an eye out and let her know when she returns if her kids have a party while she is away.

She has 3 children aged 13,15 and 16. she will be away 7 days.

If her kids are capable of having a party and leaving no trace in the house, they must be quite capable of looking after themselves!

Robisere

From the age of 8, (1953) I was traveling from my Nottinghamshire village to my aunt's house in Staffordshire alone, having packed my own suitcase. I had to use 5 or 6 buses, changing at Nottingham, Derby, Tean, Cheadle and Hanley, depending upon which bus was at the stop or due. About 80 miles I would think, maybe more. I really enjoyed the experience and always sat on the top deck of double-deckers, to view the scenery. In the late 50's there was a coach service which ran from Nottingham to Newcastle under Lyme, where my aunt and cousins lived. This took hours off the journey.


What I learned from this, was responsibility and self reliance. I know that today it would be dangerous for children of 8 to travel alone, but it was a different world then. However, the same principle applies: give your children some responsibility and most will become more responsible. I was left alone at 13, my brothers having married when I was 5 and 6. I cooked all my own meals, washed and ironed my clothes, kept the house clean for 2 weeks. At 13 I would never have gone on holiday with my parents. If I had a problem, I could always go to my big brother's house at the other end of the village. At 14 and 15, I traveled to the East Coast with a mate for a holiday in a caravan. At 16 I was at sea.



Give those teenagers the responsibility, but first make sure that they understand a few simple rules about keeping the house clean and tidy, and taking care to vet anyone who comes into the house, and refuse entry to anyone who appears they might be a problem.

theoretica

The 16 year old could move out and have a kid of their own.

silvercar

theoretica wrote: »

The 16 year old could move out and have a kid of their own.

Let's hope they don't, as that would leave the 13 and 15 year olds on their own for a week.