what age should a child be left in on their own?? - Page 3

WillowTheWhisp · 10-05-2007, 16:09

3 of my grandparents died in the same year when I was 4. I used to go on holiday with my other grandmother, mostly to my Aunt and Uncle in Scotland. She died whilst we were on holiday together when I was 12. I had to make my own way back home from Scotland by train changeing at Preston whilst my parents were both at work. The worst part of it was lugging my suitcase up home from the railway station. It seemed like it was full of lead and it was a heck of a long way up to Sultan Street.

West Ender · 10-05-2007, 17:38

Most children had a great deal more responsibility for themselves in the 40s/50s. From the age of 8 I went to and from school alone - West End to Church on the bus then up to Moscow Mill St to the old St Marys school. Home the same way except for warm Summer afternoons. Then I would walk to Moor End, through the fields and across Tinker Brook, coming out on Thwaites Rd (no houses or flats then), alone or with other children and playing on the way.

Every August from age 9 until I was 14 I went to stay with my aunt and uncle in Whitley Bay. I was put on the train at Accrington, alone and with instructions - and a tip - given to the guard to keep an eye on me (if I was lucky I saw him a couple of times), and a reserved seat. I was met at Newcastle by my uncle.

I was about 9 when I was first allowed to go into Blackburn on my own. I went, that first time, with a shopping list - cheese for mum from the market and a reel of black cotton from Woolworths. I was so proud to be trusted that I've never forgotten.

I was 10 when my dad got his first post-war car - 1953. Right up until I got married it would never occur to me to ask him to take me anywhere. If I went out it was under my own steam.

Perhaps it was a safer world, then, but it wasn't a perfect world. Children were warned about "strangers" and danger just as much then as now, but we were given a measure of independence that probably appals many of you today. It's just the way things were.

katex · 10-05-2007, 18:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by West Ender

Perhaps it was a safer world, then, but it wasn't a perfect world. Children were warned about "strangers" and danger just as much then as now, but we were given a measure of independence that probably appals many of you today. It's just the way things were.

There was alway 'bad men' about when we were young Westender .. seen many a flasher down a back street as you walked past and followed home on a few occasions myself; child sex crimes have not increased as time has moved on.

Seemingly, was only taken to school on my very first day at Infant School by my big brother, after that was on my own .. never, ever did my mum walk or wait at the school gates for me. Wasn't too far to Peel Park from William Street anyway. Ok... traffic was less, but there is a crossing now across Burnley Road to Alice Street and possibly lollipop lady? Remember though school runners, as we have covered this subject many times before, that a child is in more danger of being involved in a road traffic accident in a car on their way to school, than being hit by a car whilst walking.

Gayle · 10-05-2007, 20:10

I was going to and from school on my own from when I was about 9. We moved into Fielding Lane just before my ninth birthday and went to St Mary's school. I used to call for my friend who lived down the lane and we'd walk together - it was a fairly tame walk but even so we had to cross Hawthorne Avenue which was fairly busy.

I wouldn't trust mine to walk to school on their own though. I've said to Maddie that they can walk to school on their own when Zack is in Juniors.

As for leaving them on their own in the house - I think probably when they are around 11 or 12 for short periods.

shillelagh · 12-05-2007, 00:55

I was 7 when i went to school on my own for the first time. Crossed the end of northfield road then crossed the road at the zebra crossing (as it was then now its a pedestrian crossing) then crossed rising bridge road up to school. I thought i was so grown up especially because my next door neighbour older than me (by 5 days) was still being took by her mum! lol First time being left on my own in the house was when i was 10 when i kicked up a fuss about going down accy with mum & dad on sat morning and doing the shopping. So mum locked me in and went down accy with dad. First time i went on a bus on my own 11 i had to practice because i was going to the high school and needed to catch a bus - it was 7p to haslingden so mum used to give me 30p 14p for bus fares and the rest for sweets on my way to and from school. The only thing was coming home if i caught the bus at the stop outside school then it was 9p if i walked into the centre of haslingden it was 7p so more often than not i walked up the road to hassy centre. If it was raining or during winter though used to pay the 9p!!! lol

mthead · 12-05-2007, 01:09

At the age of 11 I used to have to make the trip to Blackburn from Ossy as I went to St.Mary's College.I didn't have a problem with it but in this day and age I don't know.Leaving alone in the house I would say teenage years if they are responsible enough.Everyone should know thier own kids mentality.

suzster · 12-05-2007, 07:11

It's a parental decision to make at all times isn't it? There have been lots of good examples already posted.

I don't have children but my partner does. Most of the time they are very self sufficient (16/18 - boys) but there are times, even at that age, when he says no, or agrees a compromise with lifts etc.

I think the argument should always be if someone behaves recklessly (don't care) then they could be at fault.

Suz x.

mallard · 12-05-2007, 20:17

The age i would say 16 year.s old but still at that age iam not shur?