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AIBU?

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Original poster

5.5 year old gets up on own

113 replies

Jellyrose20 · 29/12/2024 09:25

I have a 5.5 year old. She often wakes up before us and our 6 month baby and comes downstairs on her own.
She has access to a healthy snack box and juice boxes. We've also prepped a kitchen area so she can make her own cereal/ cold drink if she wants.
Would you do this?
YABU - No I wouldn't
YANBU - yes I would

OP posts:
AngelicInnocent · 29/12/2024 09:41

I wouldn't be comfortable with the length of time. Maybe she could wake you from 6.30 on her way downstairs and you could lie in until 7 but you are at least awake and able to respond instantly to any issues.

Tinybirdie · 29/12/2024 09:38

Depends on the child. My daughter, absolutely. She's 11 now but , even at the age you describe, always been sensible. We would have ground rules about what she can and can't do. Such as opening the back or front door, practicing tricks (she's a gymnast) or putting anything in the microwave or cooker. If she were not sensible or trustworthy it would be a firm no.

AmethystRuby · 29/12/2024 09:37

i dont think i'd be comfortable with this. my DD is 4 - not sure how i'd feel when she is 5 but i suspect i'll feel the same. i have anxiety about her eating alone in case she coughs up or chokes.she could be fly kicking off the sofa and crashing into cabinets. my suggestion is to ask your DD to stay in her room until 7.30 (maybe set an alarm in her room so she knows to wait for it to go off) by which time an adult will be awake and downstairs with her.

WasThatACorner · 29/12/2024 09:36

Absolutely fine.

Unless you're living in a huge house you are a few seconds away from her if she wants you.

Good for her for sorting herself out and entertaining herself.

Jingleberryalltheway · 29/12/2024 09:36

No. I would worry about choking. She isn’t getting up early. I would just get up with her.

Original poster
Jellyrose20 · 29/12/2024 09:36

Can I ask why please?

OP posts:
KilkennyCats · 29/12/2024 09:34

No.

Dery · 29/12/2024 09:33

This sounds absolutely fine to me.

Original poster
Jellyrose20 · 29/12/2024 09:32

Normally between 6 and 7.30 and for 1-1.5 hours ish.

OP posts:
SpanThatWorld · 29/12/2024 09:29

My eldest always pestered us to get up so I was slightly gobsmacked one Sunday to find my second one downstairs by himself watching Match of the Day with a bowl of cereal!
He'd have been about 5.

anon168231245630 · 29/12/2024 09:29

I think that's fine, dd is a similar age and will go get herself a snack in the morning.

user1471517900 · 29/12/2024 09:26

How early does she go downstairs and for how long before one of you gets up with her?

fanaticalfairy · 29/12/2024 09:26

My just turned 5yo does this.