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Original poster

thinking of leaving DC home alone while...

22 replies

Slilou · 21/12/2011 10:17

..dh and I pop over to a neighbours opposite for xmas drinks.

they are 2 very sensible girls aged nearly 10 and 7.5 years.
It would be from 7.30 to 9pm .
they would be watching a dvd.
we would pop back and check on them regularly ie every 20 mins taking turns.
We would lock the doors but they could still get out.
we would give out older dd my mobile so that she has only one button to press to contact us.
we live in a very safe cul de sac in an exceptionally quite area.

would you do it?

OP posts:
lljkk · 21/12/2011 10:23

Yes I would, presuming they get along well. Mine are same age but the 7yo is volatile & fights (with everyone) a lot. I could leave my 12yo with the 4yo, but not the 7yo with anybody.

EdithWeston · 21/12/2011 10:25

Have they been left before?

I'd have no qualms about an average 10 year old for and hour and a half, but I wouldn't leave mine in charge of a little sibling. But if they have a history of good behaviour when left together before, then it might it be ok for your pair.

Original poster
Slilou · 21/12/2011 10:26

they do squabble, but i know 100 % that they would rise to the occasion and be pleased to have been given the responsibility/ trust and behave themselves.

OP posts:

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Housewifefromheaven · 21/12/2011 10:27

Sorry no. Why can't you take them with you? Could they watch a DVD in one of the other rooms?

Housewifefromheaven · 21/12/2011 10:28

If you know 100% then why are you asking us lot??!

Marlinspike · 21/12/2011 10:29

Yes, I would, given the situation you describe. Infact I have done, when my DCs were younger, and like you we lived in a cul-de-sac (always very sociable locations I have found!)

Original poster
Slilou · 21/12/2011 10:31

the neighbours' house is very open plan and so there would be nowhere for them to hang out without being in the centre of things. they have much younger children, as do the others' attending. this is very much an adults only thing, so wouldnt feel confortable asking to bring them.

OP posts:
colditz · 21/12/2011 10:31

yes I would, if you're only at a neighbour's.

Original poster
Slilou · 21/12/2011 10:32

housewife, i am asking you if its ok to leave 2 trustworthy children of this age!

i wasnt asking you IF they were trustworthy- i already know the answer to that question!

OP posts:
Theas18 · 21/12/2011 10:35

Perfect opportunity and age for a bit of independence practice.

However my mantra has always been only if they are both able to safe in their own right, I never make one responsible for the other. no one is "in charge" they both know how to behave and wont argue/fight then I'd be happy.

3 important things I'd say- call at any time you want, you con't have to be unhappy/worried and we will answer (so you better had!), lock the door and don't open it ever even if I say it's mum and you think you've seen me (mum will use her key) and if there is a fire get out and stay out THEN call mum.

Original poster
Slilou · 21/12/2011 10:36

thanks everyone. its really useful to have your responses.

i have never left them before, but only because it has never occurred to me before that i could. this is the first time that they have conceivably been old enough, and the occasion 'suitable' enough for them to be left.

OP posts:
bigTillyMincepie · 21/12/2011 10:38

Yes, do it. It sounds like the perfect opportunity. Xmas Smile

Original poster
Slilou · 21/12/2011 10:41

theas, the 7 year old is safe in her own right, but i wouldnt leave her alone, as i feel that 7 is too young to be alone. i can see what you mean about the older one being responsible for her, but she will be only in as much as she will provide comfort/ company. she wont have to stop her behaving in an unsafe way, for instance, as the 7 yo is v sensible.

OP posts:
Theas18 · 21/12/2011 10:45

Perfect opportunity and age for a bit of independence practice.

However my mantra has always been only if they are both able to safe in their own right, I never make one responsible for the other. no one is "in charge" they both know how to behave and wont argue/fight then I'd be happy.

3 important things I'd say- call at any time you want, you con't have to be unhappy/worried and we will answer (so you better had!), lock the door and don't open it ever even if I say it's mum and you think you've seen me (mum will use her key) and if there is a fire get out and stay out THEN call mum.

Original poster
Slilou · 21/12/2011 10:49

theas, that was spooky, you mustve posted twice... but at a glance i just thought that i replied to you BEFORE you posted! Grin

OP posts:
seeker · 21/12/2011 10:51

Yes of course.

Selks · 21/12/2011 10:53

Yes I would.

UC · 21/12/2011 11:04

Yes I would.

jalopy · 21/12/2011 19:04

Probably not.

Dee03 · 21/12/2011 19:06

Yes I would Smile

missmiss · 21/12/2011 19:09

Yes, sounds like a great opportunity to start giving them both a little bit of responsibility in a safe way :)

hpsaucy · 21/12/2011 19:12

My DD's are 7 1/2 and just 11, I would.

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