5.5 year old gets up on own

Funnily enough I would never nap in the afternoon with DD in the house, the only time I've ever done that I was poorly, and I dragged myself to the sofa and slept there whilst she played with toys next to me. Interesting that I'm totally ok with the morning but somehow a mid-afternoon nap feels terrible! 😂

I have no problem with kids getting up first, but an hr and a half is a bit long for a 5yr old.
But saying that, there's no way I'd leave dc and head off for a nap in the middle of the day, and they're much older than 5 now!

Does she need juice boxes?

I did it when my 13yr old was 5yrs. I left age appropriate snacks and a drink out for him. Often I would come down to see he had eaten a hand full of snacks and was watching TV. He could come to me at any point, the front door was locked and a key placed close by but out of reach to him. I didn't sleep deeply when he did this as he used to wake me up to tell me he was going down stairs but I did get extra rest and I could hear him anyway. Some of the responses make it sound like child abuse and no parent has every thought this out before.

Getting up on their own fine - but at that age I would try to be up within half an hour to 40 mins

So you encourage independence, but only when you are hovering.....?

My child is the same age, I wouldn't be comfortable with it just yet as he's not the most sensible child unfortunately! I think this all depends on the child and their maturity. If she's sensible and capable then I'm sure this is fine for a short period, although 1 hour 30 is quite long to leave her on her way, especially as she isn't waking up that early.

Mine does this. No probs. Some parents are more anxious than others. It's fine to have different levels of chill in the world

Yes, my DD has done this since about 4yrs old.

Another friends daughter still insists on her getting up with her at 5am and she's 8, she will cry and mither until its unbearable! IMO that's quite bratty and entitled, no parent needs to be getting up at 5am for a bloody 8 year old!

So aside from that little extra rant, everyone saying "No" when does your no become a Yes?

Children in Norway walk to school on their own at that age.
As they used to in the UK.

I think it's fine.

I think it’s fine. Does she definitely need full breakfast? Just leave out a juice and some raisins/yoghurt pouch/something not choke-y.

My 2 (8,5)get up together everyday and have done for a while. But they don’t tend to want breakfast until we’re up anyway.

Oh come on, what would happen to them watching TV or playing with dolls or reading in their room?

Each to their own but no bloody way am I leaving my 5 year old unsupervised for that long.

I encourage independence but not when I am in bed.

I truly hope nothing happens to your child during that 90 minutes. You would never forgive yourself.

I normally prepare some light snacks and ask my 6yo to come and eat in my room and watch the iPad through headphones. He is an early riser and I get to stay in bed but with my ears listening to what he is doing and eating fine without choking.

My comment was more about how the children approach risk and thenpsiitive impact of being exposed to risk than how well the acitivies are supervised.

Totally fine in my opinion too, my DC have been doing this since similar age and bit earlier. Shock horror they also play outside with light supervision only. They need to be able to develop and thrive in all ways, me hovering over them 24/7 is not going to achieve that.

I completely agree. I know that many parents think they are doing the right thing by not giving their children appropriate freedom and independence. But the long-term risks of restricting their development are far greater than the minimal short-term risks involved in allowing reasonable independence.

I didn't leave food due to choking risk

Some of you really need to look into the huge benefit of the Forest Schools which allow 2 and 3 year olds to chop firewood with axes!

What a ridiculous comment, they would always be supervised.

My two were only allowed downstairs if I was awake (even if I didn't get up) until the age of 7 or so. At 11 they were, and still are as young adults, capable and independent.

I do wish people would stop describing 5 yr olds as sensible. They really aren't.

Fine and really normal in my experience.

I don't know anyone who worries about their child playing or watching TV alone for an hour - either first thing in the morning, or lots of people have an hour of quiet time after lunch when their 3-4 year olds stop napping.

Yes, it's possible they will choke, fall down the stairs or set the house on fire but if you think they that you would never let your children do anything.

This level of over-anxiety as a current parenting trend is so unhealthy for children and mothers.

I used to get up aged six, make my own breakfast, and then go to school over ten miles away by bus all on my own.

I think this thread is very illuminating. There's growing evidence that the current culture that doesn't allow children to take age appropriate risks, is contributing to the mental health crisis among young people.

How does it impact developing children to have parents who convey that just spending time alone is dangerous, that they need interacted with constantly, that they will choke if they eat alone? I think some of you should reflect on this carefully, I know worrying about our kids is normal but suggesting a 5yr old can't or shouldn't get themselves basic snacks or watch tv/play alone for an hour or so - really unhealthy imo.

It isn't a huge issue, no, but best done before food in the morning rather than after.

I have teenagers. I’ve been there and done that. It was fine.