Grandchildren growing up

I should add, the main reason was to try to avoid getting Covid, as they did not want to miss out on any more schooling.

I would think they were old enough to take care of themselves , but I do think the Father should have been more on the ball and not have them turned away on the doorstep

They were okay as there were two of them, otherwise it would not be okay. I think the father let them down by not telling them and their mother that he was ill, so different arrangements could have been made.

He didn’t, Aggie. It was a decision reached together.

They had only just found out.
Sorry if I was not clear that it was the little boy who has Covid.

People are quick to judge!

I gave the context to explain the sudden circumstances of the decision. I am interested in discussing how much freedom and responsibility is given to teenagers as they mature, not in the nitty gritty of the situation that arose.

Sorry if it was me who was quick to judge, but it is illegal to leave children alone overnight of that age.

Well, I think they handled it really well. So sensible.

Shows they’ve been given responsibility and encouraged to make decisions.

And now they can?

Sorry if it was me who was quick to judge, but it is illegal to leave children alone overnight of that age.

It isn't illegal at that age

Don’t think so Maddy. At nearly 17 the granddaughter could be married and a mum!

Exactly!

Sorry, I’m so sorry, I misread the OP. I thought it said she was 12. No it’s absolutely not illegal. In fact since she was 17, there wasn’t a problem at all. Apologies.

Yes exactly!

I was working, commuting to London, when I was 15

I happily left my sixteen year old on her own over night, sometimes with her younger brother, sometimes not. It’s definitely not illegal.

I think it depends n the child, our eldest two would have had parties and caused mayhem.
The youngest at 16 and stayed home alone for 5 nights while we were away.
Everything was fine except he hadn’t watered the garden.

I have already stated that I misread the OP and mistook 17 for 12. I made a mistake. I know it’s not illegal for a 17 year old to stay alone.

Easily done. ?

Thanks Peasblossom.

I apologised too.

I married at 16 and was quite capable of running a home by then. I do not see what the problem was ????

Easy to do maddy

Cabbie21 I apologise for my remarks . I hope the little boy is ok now ,
I am sure the Father must have been worried .
It was probably the best solution for the girls ,

Thanks Aggie and Maddyone for the apologies. Appreciated.

I suppose parents know how mature or not their teenagers are and make decisions accordingly. However, I remember when I was about 15, my parents set off in the car to do some shopping, but turned round and came back when they passed my boyfriend cycling towards my house. We had planned a bike ride, in all innocence, not knowing the parents were going to be out, but they made me get in the car with them. It was so humiliating.
On the other hand, in some circles, we knew that if word got out that certain parents were going to be away, that house would be invaded by friends and the place would be trashed.

I would not bat an eyelid at this. Where I live it is not uncommon for kids to live alone in student accommodation from age 15-16 to do a particular upper secondary/A-level course