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Original poster

To leave kids in bed whilst I run

239 replies

Wanttodobetter · 18/06/2025 07:24

I’m a single parent to 4 children, youngest 8 and eldest 14. I want to run for 30 mins locally early morning whilst they’re still asleep. 2 have phones and I’ll leave a number of a neighbour. That’s fine right?!

OP posts:
Started17June2025 · 18/06/2025 07:29

It could be fine but you can't treat them all as if they're equal.

If the 8 year old needs someone then there has to be someone home for them...which will be the 14 year old.

So is the 14 year old happy and mature enough to be in charge, and woken if needed?

Original poster
Wanttodobetter · 18/06/2025 07:28

I suspect they’ll still be sleeping when I get back as plan to go early! I’ll remind everyone the night before and leave a note just in case they forget.

OP posts:
socasuallycruelinthenameofbeinghonest · 18/06/2025 07:28

Absolutely. I left mine at around 10/11 for this. Run 15 mins one way, turn round and run back. Unless you’re super fast you won’t ever be more than 2 miles away!

AbzMoz · 18/06/2025 07:28

ynbu to go for a run but IMO you need to tell your children that you’ll be going out at these times, be back when you say you’ll be back and have your own phone as the first point of call, with a neighbour as back up. I’d consider switching on your location sharing too.

lifeonthelane · 18/06/2025 07:28

I would do this if they were sensible. Our garden opens onto fields, I very often walk the dog around them and leave the kids very early in the morning - we live in a very safe area and we each have a walkie talkie in case they need me.

Jimmintcricket · 18/06/2025 07:27

I do this a few times a week. it’s fine as long as the kids know you’re doing it, and are ok about being left.

GRex · 18/06/2025 07:27

If they all know and the 14yo is happy to be in charge if anyone wakes them, then it's fine. Presuming none of them are likely to do anything daft.

theresbeautyinwindysun · 18/06/2025 07:27

Yes, I agree, sounds like you’ve thought it through managing to meet your own needs while thinking of them👍

Comedycook · 18/06/2025 07:27

I'm quite a cautious parent but I think that should probably be fine.

Shortjeans · 18/06/2025 07:26

I’d say that’s fine as long as you trust the older 2 to help the younger ones in case of emergency until you get back and that the younger ones know to wake the older ones if needed.

researchers3 · 18/06/2025 07:26

Yes so long as they know and won't panic if they wake up and you're not there.

tumblingdowntherabbithole · 18/06/2025 07:26

Personally I’d make sure the oldest was awake before I left.

Sirzy · 18/06/2025 07:26

Would the 8 year old normally sleep the whole time your out? Is the 14 year old happy to be in charge if they do wake up?

Namechangedforspooky · 18/06/2025 07:25

Sounds ok to me if they’re sensible