my son of 9 years is sometimes left alone?
my ex wife lives in Switzerland with our 9 year son. I have often telephone him to find he is on his own for long periods 3-5 hours perhaps during the day and at times till 10pm. Have confronted her about this but she does not see this as a problem and ignores my concerns. I live in England and have emailed Swiss social services but it falls on deaf ears. It makes me feel ill knowing he is alone sometimes.
Marriage & Divorce - 7 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
If he is mature enough to be left alone for a few hours, there's nothing wrong with being left alone for a few hours. Yes, it's a bit young, but it's not illegal. At nine, my daughter was alone for an hour in the mornings and two after school, because I had to be at work. She was fine. We had emergency numbers posted and a network of neighbors she could call if she needed anything.
2 :
It makes me feel ill knowing he's alone as well! I live in Ontario, Canada and you can't leave a child alone under the age of 12! As responsible as a 9 yr old may appear to be, they are not equipped to deal with emergencies or problems that might crop up while he's alone. I would email the local police in Switzerland and ask them what the laws are in that country pertaining to children being left alone. If it's illegal there as it is here, it won't take them long to advise Swiss social services and report it. Perhaps you should consider different custody arrangements.
3 :
Contact the British Embassy in Switzerland and express your concern, ask for a name and a contact person. Then tell them your problem with the social services people. I'd also contact the local police in her town and MAKE NOISE. Nobody likes to be put under a microscope.
4 :
For me, it's too young. For the law where I live, it's ok. I think you would feel better if you knew there was a clear emergency plan. Talk with your son about what he would do if there was a problem. Get a list of the numbers he has been given if he needs to ask for help. For me, living away from my son would not be an option. I would be in Switzerland.
5 :
Do a bit of research and find out what the minimum age for being left alone is in Switzerland. Living in England may mean that you have no control over a situation in another country. In the US a child generally has to be at least 10, provided they are not left unattended for very long, and if younger siblings are not involved. If your son is safe and has people to contact in the event of an emergency, you may have no option but to set aside your feelings of resentment and anger.
6 :
In the United States, children can legally be left alone once they turn 8, so you are wasting your time calling Social Services. Check out what the laws are in Switzerland. And think about this. Being a single mom is hard. If the child were with you, how often would you find it necessary to leave him alone?
7 :
You can email the school psychologists service (Schulpsychologischer Dienst) of your sons school. Maybe they will help.
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