Leaving kids home alone for 5 days?

Ah, fond memories of my parents leaving the three of us when we were similarly aged. And it was my youngest sibling who had the raging party and me and my brother had to step in and deal with drunk teenagers....

Absolutely if trust worthy.
I was a nanny at 18 to a 3 month old baby and a 9 year old.

I leave my 17 year old in charge of siblings .

Agree with this - agree it with your eldest or have the youngest one stay with grandparents.

I think my parents left me at home maybe 14/15. All my family went on holiday, I just didn’t want to (scared of flying!). But I was an incredibly sensible child and I had no friends. And my granny was nearby. They gave me £20 for the food shop and I had my bike. All was fine! No older siblings were with me.

I would unless there's specific reasons

Just saw its school holidays , wouldn't be any issues .

I wouldn't have a problem with this , will the younger ones be at school? Are they all able to feed themselves? With grandparents keeping an eye on them they will be fine

I wouldn't monetise it for the 19 year old. I'd just ask if they are around and happy to do it, if not don't go. They might see it as a nice chilled-out bonding time with their siblings, and enjoy being the adult of the house for a bit. I think framing it as a childcare job sets up an odd dynamic, more appropriate to looking after much younger children.

When my parents went away, I was 15 and my grandparents stayed to "look after me" My grandparents were in their 90s so I basically looked after them!

I loved spending time with them but I could basically have coped alone though. I cooked, cleaned etc for them which I was happy to do. I think it was just a deterrent to prevent me having a party :)

I am 60 now and things were maybe different back then.

My parents left me alone for 10 days when I was 16 and I was fine. But I was quite responsible and not a party animal.

Would the 19yo mind looking after the 13yo? Can the 16yo look after himself? Is there anyone to keep an eye on them in case they need help (grandparents or helpful neighbour)? It all depends on how independent and responsible they are, but I’d say go for it.

I second a PP's suggestion of making it worth the 19yo's while with £200 or so. For 4 nights you are getting 96 hours of childcare and the 19yo will be giving up most of their life for that period. Up to you if you want to mention that before you sign them up, or make it a spontaneous gift after you get back.

I think its fine actually. What are the neighbours like? Can they be on standby for any unforeseen emergency before grandparents can get there?

I have a responsible 18 year old and I would leave him to care for his siblings - my husband wouldn't. Ironically I was 19 when I had my oldest.

The grandparents don’t have to come take a 16 and 13 year old for a walk 🙈 you’re way overthinking it. They’ll have lie ins, watch TV, order pizza, eat cereal. Tell them to walk the dog once a day, run the dishwasher, and keep surfaces clean.

19 year old doesn’t need to be in the kitchen cooking, just make sure the house is locked up and everyone’s home at night.

Christ, I’d moved out and had my own family by 19. Yes, absolutely fine. Go and enjoy yourself!

If the older two are happy to be responsible for the youngest (and in my family/world it wouldn't be in doubt) then go for it.

I agree, the older 2 are fine, but I would worry about the youngest.

Are there Grandparents, aunt or uncles around to help you out?

At those ages and the eldest being at uni and looking after themself anyway I would do it. You can facetime them too to check in that everything is okay especially the 19 year old who has all the responsibility.

The people who wouldn't leave the 13 year old- why not?

Totally fine IMO.

As long as your 19 year old is happy and comfortable being in loco parentis, and the younger ones don't have any major concerns, then I think this is fine, But only if you're sure your 19 year old is happy with it.

Absolutely fine as long as you're happy they are all sensible enough.

I'm leaving my DS's 21,17 & 12 for 5 days next month.

Grandparents are 30 mins drive away but wouldn't bother them to check in (not great grandparents).

Eldest drives, both 21 & 17 have jobs, uni/college and youngest will be at school. Trust all of them to feed/clothe and look after themselves just fine.

Have a fab time

Also, if your DC are otherwise healthy, well rounded young people who have good habits and make good choices - does it matter if they don't get much fresh air for a few days, eat a little less healthy and they stay up late during the holidays? Pick your worries. They're not hanging around the streets at night, drinking alcohol and taking drugs or having raging parties. Enjoy your break! 😊

Am I silly for being confused by the emphasis in some responses being placed on making sure there are healthy meals cooked each night?

I absolutely think that it's fine to leave them, especially with GP being in and out. But I'm baffled by PP thinking that the 19 year old will be a surrogate parent while you're away. They will manage fine as long as they get on well enough and they keep tabs on each others whereabouts/everyone is safe and in bed each night.

As far as I'm concerned, if they eat takeaways, watch TV and spend 5 days online on a game console, that is fine too. In fact, I'd probably expect it. I moved out at 17 and thrived. The house won't be clean to your standards but ask that they try and work together.

Someone suggested the 19 year old having to supervise all cooking? Surely 16 year olds are more than capable of preparing food for themselves 🙈