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AIBU?

to leave my 15yo DD in charge for 7 hours tonight

20 replies

itsbeingsocheerful · 03/06/2009 13:44

DH and I have been invited to big, posh awards do, but can't find a sitter.

I have left DD1, with DD2, 13, and DS, 8 after school and over teatime before and DD1 has put DS to bed and babysat several times, but never both together. Never been any problems.

Is it too much to ask of her, or them? I think it probably is, but DH really wants me to go with him. What do you all think?

OP posts:

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WhereTheWildThingsWere · 03/06/2009 13:47

I was babysitting babies when I was 13, I think she will be fine, have a great night.

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Deemented · 03/06/2009 13:48

Is she responsible, do you think? Perhaps at 15, it's maybe time to find out? I'd leave her in charge, certainly.

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GypsyMoth · 03/06/2009 13:48

Just shows how different they all are!! There is no way ok earth I could leave my 15 and 12 year old daughters together!!! But my eldest is fine to babysit my 6 year old and even the 15 month old occasionally. You know your kids best.

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nikkid21 · 03/06/2009 13:48

Doesn't sound like a problem to me. At 15 I was looking after my siblings aged 14, 7 & 5

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welshone51 · 03/06/2009 13:49

I think this is acceptable - just bribeask her and I am sure she wont mind! Enjoy yourself!

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Bettymum · 03/06/2009 13:53

I was 13 when I was left to evening babysit my 11,10 and 5 year old siblings.
I think you should go and have a lovely time

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timmette · 03/06/2009 13:54

I was looking after my sister at that age - I would do it but you know your daughter best.

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itsbeingsocheerful · 03/06/2009 13:57

Thank you all.

Tiffany it was the girls together that most worried me if I'm honest. But they seem to save the worst fights when they know I'm around, I think they like the audience. They also know I will intervene before they kill each other, it's probably scary without that safety net if I'm not here.

Now what do I wear to an environmental awareness awards do? Does it have to be organic, or just not Primark?

OP posts:

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Blondeshavemorefun · 03/06/2009 14:43

tbh i think 7hrs is too long for a 15yr to be responsible for her siblings on her own

maybe a neighbour can pop in through out the evening and you buy her a bottle of wine

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Turniphead1 · 03/06/2009 14:45

Is that to make the 7 hours pass more easily for the 15 year old, Blondes ?

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FairLadyRantALot · 03/06/2009 14:45

Why would she be to young?
It's not like the otehr 2 are Babies, is it...

you could always ask a neighbour, if they would be just in case back up...should anything occur...but tbh, I can't see teh problem...

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Blondeshavemorefun · 03/06/2009 14:47

just seems a lot of responsibilty to me - even thought they will be in bed

but the op knows her children

SHOULD have said - wine for neighbour

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FairLadyRantALot · 03/06/2009 14:47

why is 7 hours to long? presumably they will be asllep for part of those 7 hours anyway...

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Turniphead1 · 03/06/2009 14:47

I think that's fine btw.

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FairLadyRantALot · 03/06/2009 14:47

ooops x-post...

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ChippingIn · 03/06/2009 14:51

I would go in from a slightly different angle. I would tell BOTH the girls that you are out tonight and they are being left to fend for themselves and look after their little brother. You can give them specific tasks if necessary DD1 makes tea, DD2 gets his jammies on, DD2 reads his story, DD1 does 'lights out' (whatever....) and tell the 15yo AND the 13yo that you expect them to be in bed at whatever time etc. So that they are both responsible for themselves and their brother... I think leaving the 15 yo in charge is the bit that causes the problem iyswim.

I would also make sure they have a phone number for someone local too - as getting home from an awards 'do' in an emergency could take a while.

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insertwittynicknameHERE · 03/06/2009 14:52

If she is a responsible 15 year old then I don't see why not. I was left in charge of my brother from the age of 13, and was babysitting family and friends DC and babies from that age also.

I think this would be the perfect opportunity for you to show your eldest DD that you think she is a responsible young adult. And you get to go out as well.

Go with your DH and enjoy your night.

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pagwatch · 03/06/2009 14:54

MY 15 year old DS1 has been babysitting for us for over a year now - for DS2 who has severe ASD and DD who is 6.

I would actually trust him more than the 'official' babysitters that we book sometimes.
he is brilliant and very sensible and totally trustworthy.
As parents we should know what our children are capeable of and act accordingly.

Have a fab time OP

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bigTillyMint · 03/06/2009 14:58

I think it would be fine, but could you arrange with a neighbour to be available if there was an absolute emergency?

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itsbeingsocheerful · 03/06/2009 15:00

It would be 5ish to midnight, as it's more than an hour's drive away. It's unlikely DD1 will sleep til we get home, but others will. In the past they have gone to bed without any problems. And although a bit daffy DD1 has proved herself to be responsible on other occasions.

I think I will mention to neighbours that we're out and let DD1 know that she can knock if there's any problems.

Thanks again for all your responses. I find it quite hard to trust myself when it comes to what's appropriate for the kids. I generally do know, but I'm always looking for reassurance.