Home alone?

[tumpymummy]

Would you leave DS15 (nearly 16) and Dd12 home alone for 24 hours, so
Including an overnight? Hubby and I have been invited awAy to a posh hotel (paid for) but no kids. Normally I would send them off to grandparents an hour awAy but DS doesn't want to go. He will be going away a week later on a D of E camp and his line of reasoning is that if I let him go walking and camping with no adult then surely staying at home is even safer? And I can see his point! I leave kids on their own at home for a few hours during the day, but have never done so over night. They are both responsible sensible kids and we have lots of good neighbours nearby just in case. DD could go to a friends house nearby for a sleepover, but I think it would be worse then if DS is left on his own. (There isn't really anywhere he could go nearby as his friends all live much further away). Would u let them stay home alone?

[user1471548375]

You know your kids best, but based on what you've said, then yes I would. I'd probably prime one of your neighbours to be on standby but it will all be fine

[highinthesky]

They may be sensible children but I would still want an adult around just in case of emergency. Is there no-one who can stay overnight with DC?

Presumably the DofE is silver? Once this is completed I would be happy to leave both home alone overnight. (DD will also be 13).

[BadToTheBone]

My ds is 15 and dd 11, Id be fine leaving ds but would take dd to grandparents.

[treaclesoda]

If they are generally mature and trustworthy I think it sounds fine. After all, there are 16 year olds who live independently for various reasons. And whilst clearly not ideal there are children of 15 who are parents themselves.

I'd expect an almost 16 year old to know how to behave in an emergency, and presumably you could arrange for a trusted adult to be the first point of contact if an emergency should arise.

[Giraffesaretootall]

Sorry, going against the grain I wouldn't be comfortable leaving them overnight. My dc are very similar age and sensible but it still wouldn't feel right to me.

[ThroughThickAndThin01]

I wouldn't if they are under 16.

[GetMeOut]

How far away would you be in terms of journey time ? Could you get back in say half an hour if you needed to ? Only asking, as yesterday , DD15 cut herself quite badly with a knife whilst cooking and I was on verge of seeking medical attention for her. She is perfectly capable of looking after herself - she was preparing vegetables ( ! ) to cook and eat, so in that respect I am happy to leave her alone ( and she is happy to be left alone). But medical emergencies still worry me ( even for myself ). But, maybe your DS won't be chopping vegetables ( I know my DS wouldn't be )

[JustDanceAddict]

Not at under 16 overnight as they are not yet legally responsible if anything untoward happened.

[AChickenCalledKorma]

The DofE will presumably have an adult in hand in case of emergencies. If you can guarantee similar at home, I'd possibly leave DS. As long as you feel you can definitely trust him not to do anything stupid (ie have a party that ends up all over digital media ...)

I would take the 12yo to grandparents.

[lottachocca]

I would ask grandparents to stay at your house. But you know your ages - age is just a number, maturity is the thing you need to consider.