Would you do this with your kids?
#1
Would you do this with your kids?
Just after some input here as myself and OH disagree on something regarding the kids.
I have two girls, 11 1/2 and 9, and we live in a nice family area in Bris in a quiet street about three minutes walk away from the school. They currently walk to and from school by themselves.
I'm at uni so i'm just looking at my timetable coming up and I won't be able to get home til 4ish on a few days during the week. OH says I should let them walk home from school, let themselves in with key and do their homework for an hour until I get home. They've always gone to after school care in the past so I'm a bit iffy about it but I know I'm going to have to let them at some stage - eldest is at high school next year so really needs to start learning a bit more independence and autonomy (I'm sure we all did it from about 6 onwards! ).
Not even sure of the legalities, but what age would you let your kids be home alone, for an hour?
I have two girls, 11 1/2 and 9, and we live in a nice family area in Bris in a quiet street about three minutes walk away from the school. They currently walk to and from school by themselves.
I'm at uni so i'm just looking at my timetable coming up and I won't be able to get home til 4ish on a few days during the week. OH says I should let them walk home from school, let themselves in with key and do their homework for an hour until I get home. They've always gone to after school care in the past so I'm a bit iffy about it but I know I'm going to have to let them at some stage - eldest is at high school next year so really needs to start learning a bit more independence and autonomy (I'm sure we all did it from about 6 onwards! ).
Not even sure of the legalities, but what age would you let your kids be home alone, for an hour?
#2
Re: Would you do this with your kids?
Just after some input here as myself and OH disagree on something regarding the kids.
I have two girls, 11 1/2 and 9, and we live in a nice family area in Bris in a quiet street about three minutes walk away from the school. They currently walk to and from school by themselves.
I'm at uni so i'm just looking at my timetable coming up and I won't be able to get home til 4ish on a few days during the week. OH says I should let them walk home from school, let themselves in with key and do their homework for an hour until I get home. They've always gone to after school care in the past so I'm a bit iffy about it but I know I'm going to have to let them at some stage - eldest is at high school next year so really needs to start learning a bit more independence and autonomy (I'm sure we all did it from about 6 onwards! ).
Not even sure of the legalities, but what age would you let your kids be home alone, for an hour?
I have two girls, 11 1/2 and 9, and we live in a nice family area in Bris in a quiet street about three minutes walk away from the school. They currently walk to and from school by themselves.
I'm at uni so i'm just looking at my timetable coming up and I won't be able to get home til 4ish on a few days during the week. OH says I should let them walk home from school, let themselves in with key and do their homework for an hour until I get home. They've always gone to after school care in the past so I'm a bit iffy about it but I know I'm going to have to let them at some stage - eldest is at high school next year so really needs to start learning a bit more independence and autonomy (I'm sure we all did it from about 6 onwards! ).
Not even sure of the legalities, but what age would you let your kids be home alone, for an hour?
we all done it at an early age, but i should now imagine it could be dodgy,
#3
Re: Would you do this with your kids?
Just after some input here as myself and OH disagree on something regarding the kids.
I have two girls, 11 1/2 and 9, and we live in a nice family area in Bris in a quiet street about three minutes walk away from the school. They currently walk to and from school by themselves.
I'm at uni so i'm just looking at my timetable coming up and I won't be able to get home til 4ish on a few days during the week. OH says I should let them walk home from school, let themselves in with key and do their homework for an hour until I get home. They've always gone to after school care in the past so I'm a bit iffy about it but I know I'm going to have to let them at some stage - eldest is at high school next year so really needs to start learning a bit more independence and autonomy (I'm sure we all did it from about 6 onwards! ).
Not even sure of the legalities, but what age would you let your kids be home alone, for an hour?
I have two girls, 11 1/2 and 9, and we live in a nice family area in Bris in a quiet street about three minutes walk away from the school. They currently walk to and from school by themselves.
I'm at uni so i'm just looking at my timetable coming up and I won't be able to get home til 4ish on a few days during the week. OH says I should let them walk home from school, let themselves in with key and do their homework for an hour until I get home. They've always gone to after school care in the past so I'm a bit iffy about it but I know I'm going to have to let them at some stage - eldest is at high school next year so really needs to start learning a bit more independence and autonomy (I'm sure we all did it from about 6 onwards! ).
Not even sure of the legalities, but what age would you let your kids be home alone, for an hour?
#4
Re: Would you do this with your kids?
There are some children who should not ever be allowed out on their own at 20 whereas there are others who are quite competent at 6. If you have an emergency plan like Sas recommended you should be OK.
Mine were latchkey kids - the youngest from the age of 6 (but then he always was an independent and stubborn little tyke). We had a rule where they always rang one of us when they walked in the house so we wouldnt be wondering where they were. We also did the Protective Behaviours "what if" scenarios with them. I always believed in giving them the experience of being independent whilst structuring things so they were quite safe. I let them both fly independently to Melbourne at 5 and one of them went to UK on his own at 9 (to grandparents).
Mine were latchkey kids - the youngest from the age of 6 (but then he always was an independent and stubborn little tyke). We had a rule where they always rang one of us when they walked in the house so we wouldnt be wondering where they were. We also did the Protective Behaviours "what if" scenarios with them. I always believed in giving them the experience of being independent whilst structuring things so they were quite safe. I let them both fly independently to Melbourne at 5 and one of them went to UK on his own at 9 (to grandparents).
#5
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,600
Re: Would you do this with your kids?
Just after some input here as myself and OH disagree on something regarding the kids.
I have two girls, 11 1/2 and 9, and we live in a nice family area in Bris in a quiet street about three minutes walk away from the school. They currently walk to and from school by themselves.
I'm at uni so i'm just looking at my timetable coming up and I won't be able to get home til 4ish on a few days during the week. OH says I should let them walk home from school, let themselves in with key and do their homework for an hour until I get home. They've always gone to after school care in the past so I'm a bit iffy about it but I know I'm going to have to let them at some stage - eldest is at high school next year so really needs to start learning a bit more independence and autonomy (I'm sure we all did it from about 6 onwards! ).
Not even sure of the legalities, but what age would you let your kids be home alone, for an hour?
I have two girls, 11 1/2 and 9, and we live in a nice family area in Bris in a quiet street about three minutes walk away from the school. They currently walk to and from school by themselves.
I'm at uni so i'm just looking at my timetable coming up and I won't be able to get home til 4ish on a few days during the week. OH says I should let them walk home from school, let themselves in with key and do their homework for an hour until I get home. They've always gone to after school care in the past so I'm a bit iffy about it but I know I'm going to have to let them at some stage - eldest is at high school next year so really needs to start learning a bit more independence and autonomy (I'm sure we all did it from about 6 onwards! ).
Not even sure of the legalities, but what age would you let your kids be home alone, for an hour?
Exact same situation with my eldest, 11. Gets off the school bus at 4.15. OH is dead set against him being left on his own, I think it might be 'character building'. So for the moment I finish work early to be there.
I was speaking to someone who said it was illegal to leave children 'home alone' under the age of 12. Whether or not this is true I have no idea.
#6
Re: Would you do this with your kids?
As long as there is a neighbour / friend locally that they can turn to in case of emergency, then I'm sure there'll be fine. Accidents can happen even if you're there.
What do your children think? Would they be happy to be alone in the house for an hour?
I have a friend accross the road from me, and we look after each other's children if we want to nip out. The children know they can go over the road if they need anything. It's only like me nipping over to hers for a coffee and leaving them in the house.
What do your children think? Would they be happy to be alone in the house for an hour?
I have a friend accross the road from me, and we look after each other's children if we want to nip out. The children know they can go over the road if they need anything. It's only like me nipping over to hers for a coffee and leaving them in the house.
#7
Account Closed
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 8,913
Re: Would you do this with your kids?
I think an hour would be ok, as long as they have someone to turn to if need be.
If the eldest is sensible, then i would be fine with it. But some 11 year olds are worse then 5 year old's...depends on how mature you feel she is too.
If the eldest is sensible, then i would be fine with it. But some 11 year olds are worse then 5 year old's...depends on how mature you feel she is too.
#8
Re: Would you do this with your kids?
Just after some input here as myself and OH disagree on something regarding the kids.
I have two girls, 11 1/2 and 9, and we live in a nice family area in Bris in a quiet street about three minutes walk away from the school. They currently walk to and from school by themselves.
I'm at uni so i'm just looking at my timetable coming up and I won't be able to get home til 4ish on a few days during the week. OH says I should let them walk home from school, let themselves in with key and do their homework for an hour until I get home. They've always gone to after school care in the past so I'm a bit iffy about it but I know I'm going to have to let them at some stage - eldest is at high school next year so really needs to start learning a bit more independence and autonomy (I'm sure we all did it from about 6 onwards! ).
Not even sure of the legalities, but what age would you let your kids be home alone, for an hour?
I have two girls, 11 1/2 and 9, and we live in a nice family area in Bris in a quiet street about three minutes walk away from the school. They currently walk to and from school by themselves.
I'm at uni so i'm just looking at my timetable coming up and I won't be able to get home til 4ish on a few days during the week. OH says I should let them walk home from school, let themselves in with key and do their homework for an hour until I get home. They've always gone to after school care in the past so I'm a bit iffy about it but I know I'm going to have to let them at some stage - eldest is at high school next year so really needs to start learning a bit more independence and autonomy (I'm sure we all did it from about 6 onwards! ).
Not even sure of the legalities, but what age would you let your kids be home alone, for an hour?
I don’t think that there is legal age to leave children; I think it depends on the kids.
#9
Re: Would you do this with your kids?
It totally depends on the children. Have you discussed it with them? They may say 'absolutely no way' in which case it doesn't happen. If they are happy to try it and only you know if they are sensible then have a trial period. Do they have a mobile phone? When my eldest started walking to and from school in the UK (a 30 min walk) she had to phone me when she arrived in the morning and when she was leaving in the afternoon which she was happy to do.
I would trust my girls but I know some children who can't be trusted at 15 and 17 because they are space cadets
I would trust my girls but I know some children who can't be trusted at 15 and 17 because they are space cadets
#10
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,600
Re: Would you do this with your kids?
#11
Aussie lost in the UK
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Terrigal, NSW Central Coast
Posts: 682
Re: Would you do this with your kids?
Just after some input here as myself and OH disagree on something regarding the kids.
I have two girls, 11 1/2 and 9, and we live in a nice family area in Bris in a quiet street about three minutes walk away from the school. They currently walk to and from school by themselves.
I'm at uni so i'm just looking at my timetable coming up and I won't be able to get home til 4ish on a few days during the week. OH says I should let them walk home from school, let themselves in with key and do their homework for an hour until I get home. They've always gone to after school care in the past so I'm a bit iffy about it but I know I'm going to have to let them at some stage - eldest is at high school next year so really needs to start learning a bit more independence and autonomy (I'm sure we all did it from about 6 onwards! ).
Not even sure of the legalities, but what age would you let your kids be home alone, for an hour?
I have two girls, 11 1/2 and 9, and we live in a nice family area in Bris in a quiet street about three minutes walk away from the school. They currently walk to and from school by themselves.
I'm at uni so i'm just looking at my timetable coming up and I won't be able to get home til 4ish on a few days during the week. OH says I should let them walk home from school, let themselves in with key and do their homework for an hour until I get home. They've always gone to after school care in the past so I'm a bit iffy about it but I know I'm going to have to let them at some stage - eldest is at high school next year so really needs to start learning a bit more independence and autonomy (I'm sure we all did it from about 6 onwards! ).
Not even sure of the legalities, but what age would you let your kids be home alone, for an hour?
I don't have kids - so I'm perhaps not the best qualified to comment.....but I will anyway....
COMMENT 1:
I think it depends on the kids, some are more capable than others....
COMMENT 2:
I think that perhaps this will teach them some independence and how to look after themselves, even something simple like getting home and raiding the fridge and choosing how to spend the afternoon is a good step towards making future decisions and becoming a responsible adult - I think kids that are 'babied' there whole lives are a lot less mature when then get to the age when the leave to go to uni or whatever.
COMMENT 3:
My mum worked as a chef/cook in restaurant and my dad did shift work...so from the age of about 11-12 me and my brother were left at home to look after ourselves (usually under the supervision of a neighbour, and initially for an hour or two between mum leaving and dad getting home,. later it was for entire evenings). It was the best thing ever...mum and dad set some rules and tasks we have to complete (all homework, all washing up, whatever) and we then had to decide how we would do all this (would we share the tasks, would I do them all one week and my brother another, would we do all the tasks in the first half hour then watch cartoons all night!!).
COMMENT 4:
Is childcare/after school care really a better environment??
FINAL COMMENT:
If you come home one day and your house is on fire, you know you made the wrong decision!
#12
Re: Would you do this with your kids?
Just say "no cooking" in the rules and you should be OK though!
#13
Re: Would you do this with your kids?
[QUOTE=quoll;5962306] - did you know that you cannot make eucalyptus drops by heating eucalyptus oil in a saucepan? No? Believe me, you cannot and it takes months of painstaking cleaning to get the marks off the ceiling! /QUOTE]
Bet it smelled nice though My girls, when first allowed to be home alone were only allowed to watch tv - how cruel am I? or do homework
Bet it smelled nice though My girls, when first allowed to be home alone were only allowed to watch tv - how cruel am I? or do homework
#14
Re: Would you do this with your kids?
As long as there is a neighbour / friend locally that they can turn to in case of emergency, then I'm sure there'll be fine. Accidents can happen even if you're there.
What do your children think? Would they be happy to be alone in the house for an hour?
I have a friend accross the road from me, and we look after each other's children if we want to nip out. The children know they can go over the road if they need anything. It's only like me nipping over to hers for a coffee and leaving them in the house.
What do your children think? Would they be happy to be alone in the house for an hour?
I have a friend accross the road from me, and we look after each other's children if we want to nip out. The children know they can go over the road if they need anything. It's only like me nipping over to hers for a coffee and leaving them in the house.
There are some children who should not ever be allowed out on their own at 20 whereas there are others who are quite competent at 6. If you have an emergency plan like Sas recommended you should be OK.
Mine were latchkey kids - the youngest from the age of 6 (but then he always was an independent and stubborn little tyke). ).
Mine were latchkey kids - the youngest from the age of 6 (but then he always was an independent and stubborn little tyke). ).
#15
Re: Would you do this with your kids?
Thanks everyone for your replies, I appreciate it.
I think I will go for it. Eldest can be a bit ditzy but if I lay down some very specific ground rules, arm them with all the contact numbers under the sun and use of an old mobile, I think they will be fine.
I guess I've gotta start letting them have more responsbility some time
Thanks again all
I think I will go for it. Eldest can be a bit ditzy but if I lay down some very specific ground rules, arm them with all the contact numbers under the sun and use of an old mobile, I think they will be fine.
I guess I've gotta start letting them have more responsbility some time
Thanks again all