Friend wants to leave DD(12) at home alone

[chicaguapa]

DD(12) is going to stay with some Spanish friends in Spain for a week. They have 3 DC, 12, 10 & 7.

I have just had an email asking if it's ok if they go out one night and leave DD home alone with their DC. Apparently it'll be for 3 hours and they're used to doing it.

I spoke to their DS(12) who's staying with us at the moment. It seems the 3 hours is probably going to be until the DC go to bed, not the whole time they'll be out.

DD stays at home during the day on her own, but she's never been left alone in the evening/night. I don't leave DS(9) alone at all yet.

I don't feel comfortable with this but not sure if I'm being overprotective. Their DS was surprised that I wasn't sure and told me that they're not 5.

WWYD?

I spoke to DH and he's not comfortable with it either. I think we'd be happier if DD was awake while they were out. I'm not even sure that makes sense though!

I think it would be ok.

Somehow it being abroad makes it seem a bit of a bigger deal. If it was here in the uk I would know if there was a problem dd would have grandma/aunt/friends to call if she was upset. Hmmmm. I'm trying very hard to be not overprotective but not sure I would be happy either. Sorry, that's not terribly helpful!

If you're not happy with it, say no. They should have asked you about this beforehand. Your daughter is a guest, not a babysitter.

I wouldn't be happy, but in MN terms I'm very over protective.

On the other hand, it's a one off (presumably they wouldn't have asked you if it was every other night) and I'm sure the children will be fine.

Can you ask them to just get a babysitter for the evening?

At 12 I WAS the babysitter, earning pocket money.

With two 12 year olds around, and assuming the house is as secure as an average Spanish house is (very) I doubt it will be a problem. Personally, I'd prefer this to having a strange adult hired in.