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AIBU?

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Original poster

Would you be concerned ?

85 replies

ManorHall7 · 21/05/2023 08:14

We have neighbours that are regularly leaving their 8 and 5 year old alone. This week 3 times however 1 time only for about 5 minutes it appears whilst one was coming home from work and one going to work in evening.

Would you be concerned ? And do anything ?

OP posts:
HadEnough2023 · 21/05/2023 09:16

I'd report to social services. To young.

Original poster
ManorHall7 · 21/05/2023 08:56

IhateJan22 · 21/05/2023 08:54

What length of time are we talking?

Once about 15 minutes. The others appear short but then we -despite what one poster mentioned -haven't been paying attention so it could have been more frequent and more often 🤷🏼‍♀️

OP posts:
Original poster
ManorHall7 · 21/05/2023 08:54

GaspingGekko · 21/05/2023 08:25

If they are having to do it because of a clash of working shifts, I'm guessing they are in a situation where they don't feel they have a choice.
I wouldn't normally suggest something like this, but if that is the case I would personally be tempted to offer to watch them for those odd few minutes.
I realise there's a huge risk of them going into CF territory, but it might be worth it to help out neighbours who are struggling.

Unfortunately we aren't that friendly with them so makes it very difficult. I wouldn't leave my 11 year old in charge of my 6 year old yet its not worth the risk.

OP posts:
SunnySaturdayMorning · 21/05/2023 08:54

Yes, I would report to social services.

IhateJan22 · 21/05/2023 08:54

What length of time are we talking?

Original poster
ManorHall7 · 21/05/2023 08:53

ThinWomansBrain · 21/05/2023 08:20

How much time do you devote to twitching your net curtains?

It isn't just me that had noticed it was picked up by another neighbour

OP posts:
Pottedpalm · 21/05/2023 08:29

Well I imagine they have phones and are checking in with each other so they know the other is close to home.
Maybe you could offer to be a first port of call for help in the unlikely event os something happening in those few minutes.

GaspingGekko · 21/05/2023 08:25

If they are having to do it because of a clash of working shifts, I'm guessing they are in a situation where they don't feel they have a choice.
I wouldn't normally suggest something like this, but if that is the case I would personally be tempted to offer to watch them for those odd few minutes.
I realise there's a huge risk of them going into CF territory, but it might be worth it to help out neighbours who are struggling.

ThinWomansBrain · 21/05/2023 08:20

How much time do you devote to twitching your net curtains?

Pippa12 · 21/05/2023 08:20

I agree it’s super young to leave them alone, I think I’d report tbh. What if something happened to the parent travelling home from work? Probably couldn’t get out in case of a house fire.

I’ve just started leaving my 11 year old at home for 30 minutes whilst I take my 7 year old to a club across the road. I’d never leave my 11 year old in charge of my 7 year old, far to much responsibility in my opinion.