Leaving a Child at Home whilst working

[Sammi13]

I am a single parent and have a 12 year old daughter I work shifts and my parents are 10 mins down the road from us. Is it ok to leave her at home provided she is safe. If she does have a problem she is able to contact my parents or stay their! Obviously she isnt left whilst Im on nightshifts. Just wondered whether I am breaking any Laws?

[tiggerblue10]

I used to be left at home on my own from the age of about 10 but this was in the early 80's. Times have changed though.

[albaqwerty]

England and Scotland have different laws re. children's responsibilties etc. couldn't your child stay at grans until you are able to collect 'em from work

[Pigletion]

This should help http://www.nspcc.org.uk/HelpAndAdvice/Parentsa ndcarers/HomeAlone/homealone_wda35965.html

[Sammi13]

Thank you for that !! My daughter does spend a lot of her time with her grandparents but she does want to come back to her home occasionally when Im working and is aware what to do with regard to emergencys you want to be able to give them some responsibilty and Independence but also safeguard them.

[albaqwerty]

you know your own child. might i suggest that if you are due home at say 6pm and she is due home at 4pm, let her come home for a while
, say about 1hr, then pop round to grans.
you sound like a good caring mum, keep up the good work :D

[Sammi13]

Thank you I do try my best!! I just want the best for both of my children. My parents do spot checks on her any way and up until yesterday her big sister was around as well

[Velvetee]

I was a Latchkey kid and would be at home alone from aged 10 too. If you feel she's mature and sensible enough, shouldn't be a problem. Not sure what the Legal aspects are though.

[pinktwink]

sorry sammi but not a good idea it only takes a split second for an accident to happen. Social services would not accept this and if they became aware would be on your case. ?By the way I work for social services so if i got a call about a 10 year old home alone we would want to meet the parent.

[khoey]

i dont see a problem her grandparents are a short distance away and can check on her, maybe you could also phone her when your at work,kids of 12 tend to like a little bit of independence for a short amount of time.

[aims1202]

pinktwink, there is no law to say you cant leave a 12 year old alone at home, at this age most are absolutely fine to be left for a few hours, it all depends on the individual child and it does not make you a bad or neglectful parent if you are leaving them at this age or even a bit younger. I was left alone for a couple of hours after school when i was 10yrs old and all was fine. I am so grateful to my parents for giving me love and security as well as freedom and a bit of independence.
I dont think it makes any difference if its now or 20 years ago.
It sounds like you are a very caring parent who wants to give your daughter some independence, i believe this is essential for children, too many of them now are overprotected and it does them no good for when they are adults.

[ummmm]

I wouldn't leave my son at that age as he's mildly autistic but I did leave my daughter. Don't worry....they need to learn how to look after themselves. How many kids can't even cross a road....it's a crime.!