Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would you ever leave a 15 yo home overnight?

239 replies

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 12/01/2024 12:12

I’m going away with my 10yo in the summer for a weekend.

15 yo doesn’t want to come (was offered, and originally booked to come).

She can stay with her dad who lives around the corner or is more than capable of getting to grandparents for the weekend.

Shes suggested she’d like to stay home alone. Will be 16 a couple of months later, when I suspect I’d be unreasonable not to leave her. Extremely sensible and no chance shed trash the place.

Why does she want to stay alone? Sometimes finds Dad annoying, plus he has a baby and toddler, and just staying at home is easier than any other options. She likes alone time. I guess she might invite over a couple of equally sensible friends which would be fine.

Any thoughts?

OP posts:
enchantedsquirrelwood · 12/01/2024 12:21

I couldn't give a fig about the NSPCC guidelines, but I wouldn't leave a 15 year old.

DS was 17 before we left him (for one night).

If you do go ahead, consider what she should do if eg there was an emergency like a water leak.

Original poster
GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 12/01/2024 12:20

I leave her for an evening here and there but wondered if overnight was seen differently

OP posts:
Wytchy · 12/01/2024 12:20

If she really is very level-headed I’d probably agree to it. But I’d tell her that you'd arranged with her dad that he’d pop in each morning and evening to check all was okay.

I assume he’d agree to this?

Original poster
GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 12/01/2024 12:20

Thanks - sometimes hard to gauge. I’m 100% sure she’ll be fine but wondered what the general opinion is.

OP posts:
aperolspritzbasicbitch · 12/01/2024 12:19

My niece stayed at mine for a week to look after my dog whilst I went on holiday. She was about 2 weeks shy from turning 16.

Growlybear83 · 12/01/2024 12:19

I cant think of anything that would have persuaded me to leave my daughter overnight when she was 15. Apart from concerns about her not knowing how to sort out any problems with household appliances, heating etc which might arise, not trusting her to lock up properly at night, set the alarm etc, like most 15 year olds, she would have invited loads of friends round, and would probably have organised a party.

Fidgety31 · 12/01/2024 12:18

Yes definitely. I have done many times and no problems . They’re 15 years old not 15 months !

Jessforless · 12/01/2024 12:18

I wouldn’t. I think it’s too young to be left alone.

Snowydaysfaraway · 12/01/2024 12:18

16 was the youngest and she had older siblings here also.
The 17 yo stayed one night alone with and adult sibling living close by.
We were back 2 days and the shower set ablaze. Not sure she could have dealt with that...

User13579367337 · 12/01/2024 12:17

I had to leave a 15yo taking care of her 7yo brother last week. That was for a medical emergency though. I’d say if the 15yo is happy to be home alone then it’s fine.

PPTorPDF · 12/01/2024 12:16

It's against NSPCC guidelines. I know it's not law but still...

youngones1 · 12/01/2024 12:15

I wouldn't feel happy about this, but I'm sure others wouldn't mind.

ArchetypalBusyMum · 12/01/2024 12:15

Sounds fine to me. A mature 15 who is actively happy with that isn't an issue imo.
Especially as she's got responsible adults nearby, so make sure they're aware and could come round if they needed to.
Check she is comfortable locking up and knows who to call if in need. 👍

Sunflower8848 · 12/01/2024 12:15

Nooooooo don’t do it. I was that “sensible” kid, I invited 3 friends over to stay. Can guarantee she will have friends over 💯

Swipe left for the next trending thread