what age is ok?

[6758]

just wanted some opinions on what age is ok for a child to be left on their own.....

My son is 11 years old and walks home from school (10 min walk but takes him 20!!). He gets in about 3.30 and his dad is home about 3.45 therefor he is alone for 15 mins...

He is a really sensible child (more so than his 13 year old brother!!!) and says hes ok with the situation.. He is always sitting doing his homework when his dad gets in and I always ring him at 3.30 to make sure his in ok as i work full time.....

Wolud you critisize my parenting because of this arrangement?

[WendyS]

My own feeling is that if you've trained your child well and he's sensible, and you've told him not to open the front door to anybody whilst he's on his own, then he should be OK. Children are so protected these days that if they don't have the chance to be a little independent, by small degrees, in a safe situation, they will never be confident to deal with life. But if you're a little anxious, can you arrange with a next door neighbour, or neighbour opposite that if your son has any problems, he can telephone them and they will come to his aid. As long as he has the phone numbers handy, I think that's a reasonable compromise.

[6758]

Thanks all for your honesty.... Even the negative comments..

Its issues like 4gets and taperfaces that had me worried in the first place.. I'm going to find out if there is a neighbour nearby who he could call if need be...

To answer tapers question (which is still stinging). The reason I cant be there for him for those 15 mins is because of a promotion at work... I know this might sound even more selfish but I had the kids when really young and have always had to work to make ends meet. The job I am in now has made such a difference to our quality of life and it was not a decision I took lightly. We are now able to offer the boys some of the things that were always beyond reach before..

I really am a good mum with 2 lovely kids to be proud of!!

Thanks again!!!

[Rubyrose]

I think he is in more danger walking home on his own than actually being left on his own in the house. I would be worried about the walk, not the 15 mins on his own.

I am sure he is sensible and I don't think the age seems a problem. And if you ring him to make sure he is ok then it sounds like you are doing an ok job.