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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To leave 14 year old for 4 days with 18 year old sibling?

162 replies

boyohboys · 27/02/2024 12:07

18 year old has A levels so not wanting to go anywhere which is, but 14 year old also keen to stay at home too - AIBU to leave a 14 & 18 year plus be responsible 2 dogs & a cat for 4 days?

I suspect my judgement is somewhat clouded by the practicalities of youngest being there as he will happily take care of the dogs & other pets whereas oldest wouldn't want the dogs there so I'd have to find weekend boarding which is tricky. We have lovely immediate neighbours and a good network of local friends they could call or I could ask to pop in, but of course can arrange for youngest to stay with a pal and I'm sure find somewhere for the dogs if need be.
We'd be leaving very early but Thursday/Friday morning as opposed to 7:30 work department so they'd get themselves to school & dog sitter would come in the day. After school they'd be getting themselves home and whereas we'd usually get in around 6ish, they'd be fending for themselves. Both self-sufficient and pretty sensible & no issues with the odd late home from work or out socialising but have never done overnight. Weekend they'd be at revising, gaming or out doing usual stuff like going to the gym, meeting mates in the park but of course home alone the entire time. We get back very late Sunday night.

The more I write the less certain I am but still interested to hear what other thinks.

OP posts:
TheQueenMakersDaughter · 27/02/2024 12:56

It completely depends on the kids. I have a 17yo and 13yo and can imagine being fine with this scenario in a year's time, but my 17yo has been responsible for pets overnight a couple of times already. And neither of the dc are tearaways or partyers. I'd give them takeaway money for one night and let them order a gousto box for the three other nights, check in regularly with pet selfie etc, and let them enjoy the independence.

boyohboys · 27/02/2024 12:47

Interesting. I'm wondering it might be better if we just let them stay home alone Thursday/Friday with usual dog sitter in place then Friday night pack youngest & dogs off to stay somewhere leaving the older one in peace. This feels less of an ask for people and might be good compromise if we can find someone willing! We went away last year and my parents stayed but 18 year old doesn't want babysitting anymore plus it's too much for my parents now.

OP posts:
peppermintcrisp · 27/02/2024 12:31

No I wouldn't. The 14 year old is your responsibility. It isn't fair for the 18 year to be responsible for sibling, sister, house and pets!

HotChocWine · 27/02/2024 12:30

I'd be ok with it., I assume you will be able to facetime them at some point

I recently left the 16 and 15 year old overnight with the dog. Made sure the fridge was well stocked, and ordered them a takeaway, they had their nan, uncle and aunty to call if anything happened

They'd even washed up when I got back.

AppleDumplings · 27/02/2024 12:29

You know your own children so know their capabilities, and they do sound really competent.
It's just that awful, ridiculously small, would never happen in a million years chance of something going horrendously wrong. At 18, studying and being responsible for his brother, pets, house and organising food for 4 days is a lot of responsibility.

Onthegrid · 27/02/2024 12:27

I think it depends on the sibling relationship. I stayed at home at this age, looked after the family pets, cooked for myself and dealt with the builders working on the house. My sibling is only 2.5 years younger and would not have been left behind as we argued, it wasn't until working and driving that we were left together so sibling would have been 17. Same with my DC both stayed home alone from 16 and overnight from 17 but not together.

boyohboys · 27/02/2024 12:25

@Crazycatlady79 I already have a fab lady who comes 10-2 on the days I work away from home who is free both the Thursday & Friday - she tidies, cleans, irons, walks the dogs & hangs out with my rather needy dogs who can't be left more than a couple of hours at a time but she can't do overnights or weekends.

OP posts:
Broomknobsandbedsticks · 27/02/2024 12:25

It’d be a no from me. It’s a lot of responsibility on the 18 yo. 14 is young to be left for 4 days in my view.

PPTorPDF · 27/02/2024 12:19

It'd be a no from me.

TheGoogleMum · 27/02/2024 12:17

If they are happy with the arrangement, sensible kids and have a good relationship I'd say go for it

Crazycatlady79 · 27/02/2024 12:16

That sounds fine, but surely you will need someone to walk the dogs whilst the kids are at school?

OhBeAFineGuyKissMe · 27/02/2024 12:13

If they are both happy with this then yes, it is a good growing up experience for both of them. Baby steps into independence.

Get some easy cook nice food, or leave money for 1 takeout.

The 18 year old is possibly leaving for uni soon when they will be left for much longer that a few nights.

You know your kids, re parties etc… I wouldn’t have no concerns from mine so not all teenagers will plan a party once mum and dad are out of town.

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