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Original poster

Would you leave a 2 year old with older siblings for hours?

133 replies

Wouldcou · 01/05/2026 12:11

Would you leave 4 children age 16, 15, 11 and 2 alone to go to the gym. It will take 3-4 hours due to public transport?

Mostly the issue is with the 2 year old I have left the other three together before to go shopping. Have never left the 2 year old.

OP posts:
kdoia · 01/05/2026 12:21

No, sorry. What does the 16 year old do if there's an emergency. Your 2 year old is too young to be left IMO.

saveforthat · 01/05/2026 12:18

If your 16 year old is happy to do this and knows what to do, why not?

tealandteal · 01/05/2026 12:18

Is there no closer gym? Or can they watch the child while you workout at home? I think the 16yo can watch the 2yo but 3-4 hours in the day seems a bit long.

Original poster
Wouldcou · 01/05/2026 12:17

It’s two buses then an hour at the gym then two buses back. 3-4 hours would be the max time if there was traffic

OP posts:
Original poster
Wouldcou · 01/05/2026 12:16

I would make sure the 16 and 15 year old take charge. The 11year old is the 2 year old favourite. I want to start going to the gym once a week but don’t have any childcare and I don’t know what is legal or responsible.

I know some people get tees that are not related to be babysitters so surely a 16 year old sibling is better than that.

OP posts:
Nofeckingway · 01/05/2026 12:16

Unless there is a nap involved I think it's a lot . Is there no nearer gym for you . That's a long way to travel.

YSianiFlewog · 01/05/2026 12:13

Yes, if the 16 year old was happy to look after the 2 year old.

When you leave the older three, you're just leaving them. You need to ask the 16 year old to babysit the 2 year old.

Bournetilly · 01/05/2026 12:13

In an emergency or as a one off yes but not for 3-4 hours to go to the gym, I think 1 hour would be ok but not 3-4.