Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would you leave 14yo alone in the country for one night?

282 replies

iloveapplesandcakes · 19/03/2025 04:58

Single parent here, no family around here, no support network.

DC is 14, very sensible. They'd go to school, I fly out at lunch time, they come back home, reheat dinner, stay overnight and go to school in the morning, I return home before they are back from school, I'd be away for about 30 hours. DC is happy with this idea, they can manage. I'm concerned about emergency situation. I badly need to go to help a close relative abroad. Can't take DC with me for a number of reasons, mainly school but also family issue which is the reason for need to travel.

Voting:
AIBU: I wouldn't leave DC alone, no matter how sensible they are.
YANBU: it's ok for DC to stay for 30h alone given desperate circumstances.

OP posts:
justmyluck1234 · 19/03/2025 05:03

I wouldn’t, there’s one thing being a few hours away with someone close by if any thing was to pop but another country with no one around.

Bluebanner · 19/03/2025 05:03

Absolutely not.

Zanatdy · 19/03/2025 05:02

No, not at 14. Mine were all 16 before I left them overnight.

Purpleturtle43 · 19/03/2025 05:02

I think it's one of these situations where it would be fine if all went to plan but could be a disaster if there is an emergency and nobody to call on for help. Could he not stay with a friend? Is there anybody that would be available in an emergency?

seriouslysara · 19/03/2025 05:02

I'm sorry you have an emergency.

I'm afraid I wouldn't. Too many variables. You get delayed or ill or have an accident and can't get back. Kid gets poorly or spooked by something.

Is there a school mate they can stay with? I know I'd take a kid in even if we didn't know them very well.

Friolero · 19/03/2025 05:01

I wouldn’t do it - do they have a friend from school they could stay with if it’s just one night?

Agix · 19/03/2025 05:01

NSPCC advises that children under 16 are not left alone overnight.