General Chat

I was always led to believe thqt a child could be left alone in the house once they were of high school age (11-12yrs), and that a sibling had to be fourteen years old to babysit for younger brothers or sisters, and to babysit for children who were not part of the family the child had to be sixteen. However I did leave my daughter at home at 10 whilst I went to pick her father up from work (10 mins each way) Linda P

In this country I think the legal minimum age for a babysitter is 14

My daughter's 12 and started secondary school in September. She now has a key to the house and lets herself in as I'm usually out collecting my son from his primary school. She's only alone for about half an hour. I could probably leave her alone for longer - not so much as her being responsible enough more me not wanting to let go of my little girl and admitting that she's growing up. Kxx

I think it depends on the child as well. Some 16 yr olds can be as immature as 10 yr olds. My siblings and I (6 of us) were always at home by ourselves while our parents were at work or out dancing on a sat night and the oldest was about 12. And boy did we get up to mischief! Parents never knew though. ...Babz

Hi Kylie I think it is frightening really leaving a 10year old on its own, like Mandy says. My children are 10, 8 and 20months and no way would I leave the eldest on her own if something happened I would never forgive myself. No child is safe regardless of age. I have read it somewhere that the law says a child of 14 is supposed to be the 'acceptable age' for stopping at home alone (if sensible etc) or babysitting, but personally I think, that even around that age, it depends how sensible and mature (I suppose) they are. My friend's daughter is 14 often home alone, and she babysits her 8 year old brother and 4 year old sister whilst her mum goes out.

I started to leave my daughter gradually - while I popped next door (which is never a quick visit!), popped to the shops etc. Even now at 15, I do not feel comfortable going out for the whole evening and leaving her alone even though she baby-sits for others until midnight! She had a door key when she started senior school. Maybe I am lucky but she doesn't bring in hoards of friends when I am out or do silly cooking experiments! I think about age 10 as they are preparing to leave primary school is a good time to start leaving for short spells as it all goes with them gaining their independence. It does have a lot to do with the area you live in though. Not much help I know! Jacky :-)

my area is safe but they would of gone in the backyard and the dog would of not let anyone and my sister was 18 when my mum stayed out overnight i had moved to england before then but she only left us fro a few hours and i know my mates son could get out cos he answered the door to the deliverly man to get the washer delivered which is scarey

That's really frightening that she left her child home alone .... with all the doors locked! What would have happened if there had been a fire? Doesn't bear thinking about really. I think it all depends on the area in which you live - we live in a nice little town but even so, I wouldn't leave a 9/10 year old sat outside in the garden (no disrespect Kylie, it's probably perfectly safe where you are!). My son was 13 before we left him at home on his own, but we've never left him overnight before even though he will be 16 next week. Suppose we'll have to do it sometime lol! Mandy :)

i went to my nans todayand told my 9 & 7 yrolds to walk home and if i wasnt in to just sit on the grass and wait for me which my 9yr old asked can i have a key and get inside i said no as it happened i was home 10mins before them ,but a friend of mine her son who is 10 next month was off school and he was left home all alone while his mum worked which to me is crazy but she said hes ok all the doors are locked so what do think how old should a child be before they are left home alone or how old was your kids before you left them alone,i was 14 and my mum left me at night to babysit while she went out