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For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.

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For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.

Parenting

Would like some opinions on if this is OK or not.....

44 replies

Tortoise · 26/07/2009 22:17

DS1 is 12 and fairly sensible.
DD1 is 6 and DD2 is 5.
Would it be ok to leave DS1 with DD's for probably an hour(maybe less) Tuesday mornings?

I can take DS2 9 with me but no room in friends car for more than one. It is only WW weigh in but i don't want to miss it for the whole of the hols.

OP posts:

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Littlefish · 26/07/2009 22:18

I wouldn't, but then I wouldn't leave my children with a babysitter under 16 either.

fruitstick · 26/07/2009 22:23

No, it's not fair on DS1. What if your DDs decided to take advantage or be mean to him. He's too young to be given such power over them - it will turn out badly.

janeite · 26/07/2009 22:25

I wouldn't: it puts too big a responsibility on your ds imho.

sherby · 26/07/2009 22:26

Completely fine, its not even an hour!

You speak to the girls and explain that he is in charge, you tell him what is and isn't acceptable ie no over the top bossing around etc etc and it gives him the feeling of being trusted

thisisyesterday · 26/07/2009 22:26

no, i don't think i would.

GodzillasBumcheek · 26/07/2009 22:29

I was left with my brothers when they were teens and i was pre-teen...they went power mad, and ended up picking on me like crazy, but I ran up to my room, slammed the sliding door and it fell off! LOL...they had to fix it and comfort me before mum and dad got home or explain what had happened!

I dunno, i thought it was kinda relevant.

If you have a sliding door anyway.

Tortoise · 26/07/2009 22:29

DD's would not take advantage of him. They would probably just watch TV/DVD.

OP posts:

sherby · 26/07/2009 22:29

I can't believe people wouldn't leave a 12 year old in charge of a 5 and 6 year old for under an hour

completely over the top imo

Tortoise · 26/07/2009 22:30

Lol Godzilla!

OP posts:

sherby · 26/07/2009 22:31

Exactly you give them some food put a DVD on before you go, tell them not to go out or answer the door to anybody they don't know

I am sure somebody will be along in a minute to tell me that the 5 year old could have a freak choking accident, or a meteorite could hit the roof but I really don't see the problem

KristinaM · 26/07/2009 22:33

i would leave the 12 yo but not the two younger ones

CarriePooter · 26/07/2009 22:34

I would, unless I had a paticular reason to think that one of them was a phycopath.

Loshad · 26/07/2009 22:35

Can't you borrow some scales?

stroppyknickers · 26/07/2009 22:35

www.nspcc.org.uk/HelpAndAdvice/Parentsandcarers/HomeAlone/homealone_wda35965.html Does this help?

SlartyBartFast · 26/07/2009 22:36

just a weigh in?

perhaps every other week? eveyr 3 weeks or something?

ButterbeerAndLemon · 26/07/2009 22:37

Yes. I was regularly left in charge of my siblings (9, 7 and 2) when I was 12, and we were all fine. Mind you, I was a very responsible (and intelligent, witty, attractive, etc., etc., ) 12yo...

So would depend on the specific children, but in general Yes.

sherby · 26/07/2009 22:39

OMG its not even AN HOUR once a week!

piscesmoon · 26/07/2009 22:48

Of course it is-it is pretty insulting to tell your DD that you don't trust her! I expect you have a mobile and could zoom home if necessary and/or have a neighbour to call on. I would just have a few rules in place first. Responsibility is very good for DCs.

sherby · 26/07/2009 22:50

finally!

Tortoise · 26/07/2009 22:53

Thanks for all opinions.

Thanks for link stroppy.

I could go every other week. My Brother maybe about some Tuesdays to sit with them but not every week.

I have scales but that isn't the same a going to WW meeting to be weighed. I only joined 3 weeks ago. Plus they can charge if you don't attend each week.

There is also a bus which i could drag them all out on but wouldn't be cheap to take all 4!

OP posts:

lockets · 26/07/2009 22:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

devotion · 26/07/2009 22:59

I use to look after my 6 year old brother and 4 year old sister when I was 12 every Saturday.

My mum worked 9-1pm.

I would get £5 and loved it. I am from a big family and so we were given responsibilities earlier.

I have to say I was more capable of this than some of friends would have been. I was quite mature.

Now if it was my brother doing that at 12 then I would say a big NO NO. He is 24 now and I'd not leave me kids with him... but I do love him still

Its def down to the individual, has he been in charge of the children while you are around to monitor how he manages them and deals with them when difficult?

Is there a law about this now? You dont want to get in trouble. Do you not have a nice old lady next door that could come in and keep an eye. Afterall its only 1 hour.

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LittleMissTuffet · 26/07/2009 22:59

Yes, I would leave a 12 year old in charge of his younger siblings.

Tortoise · 26/07/2009 23:03

He has had them for maybe 30 mins on his own before while i whizz to the shop on my bike with DS2.(Wouldn't leave DS1 and DS2 together!!) and they have been fine. They all get on pretty well, not including DS1 and DS2 in that lol.

He understands not opening door/answering phone. He knows to go next door with the girls if there is any problem. I would have my mobile on me.

I guess my worry is that i wouldn't be able to get home in a hurry as it is about 10 mins away by car.

OP posts:

devotion · 26/07/2009 23:03

sorry forgot to put in that i would.

you obviously feel your son is capable so you know him better and it sounds like you have good girls.

so dvd, no answering doors, tell dd's to be good for big brother.if any probs ask a neighbour if your son could call them in an emergency.

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