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AIBU?

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Original poster

Would you leave them alone overnight?

137 replies

MooseAndSquirrelLoveFlannel · 13/02/2025 14:23

Trying to gauge if I'm being reasonable or being too paranoid.

DH and I would love a weekend away together. We have no family/friends nearby so have never really managed it. Family member could stay, but it's a 2.5 hour journey for them and would mean leaving their pet alone (I have animals so couldn't bring with)

Would be leaving early Saturday and getting home late afternoon/early evening Sunday. Approx 3 hours drive away.

Children are 16, (almost) 14 and 12. All are responsible, no drinking etc. The most challenging behaviour is watching YouTube too much and a dungeon and dragons game lasting too long.

They can cook, are very self sufficient. Are used to being left alone in the house for full days when DH and I are at work, but have never been alone overnight. Latest they have been alone is till about 11pm.

So, would you?

YABU - don't leave them alone overnight

YANBU - it's fine, they're old enough.

OP posts:
Glorybox2025 · 13/02/2025 14:29

Irvinesv · 13/02/2025 14:25

Are you crazy? You’d actually be arrested if the police were aware

No she wouldn't as it's not illegal

moanaom · 13/02/2025 14:29

No. They're all still children, OP. They're too young. You can't leave a 16 year old with responsibility for a tween and a young teen.

Irvinesv · 13/02/2025 14:28

also they might be nearly 16 but currently still 15 - what would they do if one of them got sick, how would they judge whether this was serious enough to call for help and how would they even get help, what if something goes wrong in the house - would they know what to do? 3 hours is far too far away.

Desmondo2021 · 13/02/2025 14:27

I don't think it quite sits right. It's not a million miles off. I think I would look at them as individuals rather than a group of 3 as it's too much responsibility for the oldest one to essentially be in charge of 2 siblings. Could the younger 2 not stay with mates for a night?

TheNinkyNonkyIsATardis · 13/02/2025 14:26

No, it's too much responsibility on the 16yo with two younger siblings. Could you not compromise and just do late afternoon to midday?

Hotpinkangel19 · 13/02/2025 14:26

A 16 year old isn't mature enough to be responsible for two younger siblings overnight. Are you saying you would leave them without an adult @Glorybox2025? Why?

Newuser75 · 13/02/2025 14:26

No. Definitely not.
If it was just the 16 year old and they were sensible then yes certainly.
You can't leave a 16 year old in charge of a 14 and a 12 year old overnight.

Irvinesv · 13/02/2025 14:25

Are you crazy? You’d actually be arrested if the police were aware

Glorybox2025 · 13/02/2025 14:25

Absolutely fine if you trust them to be sensible.

SauvignonBlonk · 13/02/2025 14:25

It’s a no from me.

Glorybox2025 · 13/02/2025 14:25

Hotpinkangel19 · 13/02/2025 14:24

Absolutely not.

Why not?

Hotpinkangel19 · 13/02/2025 14:24

Absolutely not.

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