When Can You Leave Your Child Home Alone?
By Karen Dennis from The Next Best Thing To Mummy
There is no law in Britain, currently, saying when a child can be left at home alone; but the N.S.P.C.C. recommends that they shouldn’t be left alone if under 12 years of age.
This got me thinking:
Although I believe that there should be some kind of law to safeguard children, I know that some children will be more mature and responsible earlier than others. Meaning that they could be left alone for short periods of time.
I never left any of my children alone until they were older teenagers and then only for a few hours, but I do understand why some parents may have no other choice but to trust their children to be alone; it can be difficult for working parents to juggle long working hours with school days and holidays.
Leaving children now is much safer than in previous decades- we all have mobile phones and can be contacted if needed.
When I was a girl , my sisters and I were left alone during the school holidays. my parents worked about 20 minutes walk away. a neighbour would be there for us, if we needed anything, My dad popped home for lunch and as mum only worked part time she would be home by mid afternoon.
We were pretty happy watching television and playing together.
So if a parent is only away for a short time, has a phone and explains about not answering the door or turning on the oven, surely this is not a problem?
I would be interested to hear what others think.
As always questions and comments are welcome.
Until next time.
Karen
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