Too young to be left alone at home for an hour or two?

[fionas]

No I wouldn't - not for an hour or two. Maybe, possibly in exceptional circumstances if I had to duck out to the shops at the end of my street which is a five minute round-trip (walking).

What's SD doing when he goes out? Is there any reason he can't take your bro with him?

[Shades]

We run a computer-help at home business, he's the technician so he has to go out to people to fix their computers. He also won't take R with him if he has to go shopping because R doesn't like it and whinges.

[ausgirl]

I actually got my collegue who's hubby is a police sergeant to ask him and there is NO law regarding what age children can be left home alone - which I found strange. Apparantly is it up to the parent's judgement which is a scary thought tbh at times. A 3 year old could legally be left at home alone.

That all said, each parent will know their child's abilities and perhaps many 8 year olds could be safely trusted to stay home while you pop to the shops for 30mins. But several hours at a time is iffy.
I don't think I'd be comfortable leaving a child under 10 or 12 alone for any length of time.

[maz]

.....back in my day.......

Sorry but thats what I imagine this man saying.

Well matie your day has changed it our day now lol.

We had to pick jed up when we took the disco van in to get serviced...in his wagon which is only a 5 seater.....so we left N at home. WHile he's 9 and extremely mature for his age and we were gone for 20 mins top....I shat myself the whole time. Not cause I dont trust him...its other people I dont trust.

When do we stop clipping our kids wings though...when do we as parents learn to trust our kids and give them that little bit???

[Pretty Butterfly]

I could NEVER leave my 9 yr old, he is a dope!!!!!

But my now 12 yr old, no worries. He has stayed home a couple of times, for about halfa each time. I could probably trust him for a few hours too, he's great. Looking back, even at 9 he prob woulda been fine, but still wouldn't do it...... all kids are different.... but for me, 8... nope.