Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Would you do this with your child?

339 replies

treesmight · 11/05/2021 11:24

Would you leave 14/15 year old child alone at home for a week with food in fridge, some money and in a safe village/area? There’s a local shop with food a five minute walk away.

OP posts:
caringcarer · 11/05/2021 11:27

No. That is insane. Under 16's should not be left home alone. If you have to go see if child can stay with GP or other close family.or even family friend.

caringcarer · 11/05/2021 11:28

Is child 14 or 15, or are there 2 children? I have 14 1/2 year old.

PeskyRooks · 11/05/2021 11:28

Er...no!

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

knightinshiningwhatever · 11/05/2021 11:29

No that'd be a safeguarding issue here

Oopsy41 · 11/05/2021 11:29

Definitely not

WaterBottle123 · 11/05/2021 11:29

Absolutely not. They'd probably be totally fine, but no doubt lonely and sad

EdersonsSmileyTattoo · 11/05/2021 11:29

No. Not a chance.

ApocalypseNowt · 11/05/2021 11:30

Nope

MamaWeasel · 11/05/2021 11:30

Depends on the child, and the support network around that child.

Overdueanamechange · 11/05/2021 11:31

Hell would freeze over first.

ineedaholidayandwine · 11/05/2021 11:32

Not a chance

Overdueanamechange · 11/05/2021 11:32

If this is happening to a child you know, please report.

Hazel444 · 11/05/2021 11:33

No, for one night, possibly two - but not for a whole week.

JesusInTheCabbageVan · 11/05/2021 11:33

I was left alone for a week when I was 16 (and loved it) but that was 20 years ago and probably not ideal.

Tatum1234 · 11/05/2021 11:35

No chance, I wouldn’t leave my 16 year old.

CirqueDeMorgue · 11/05/2021 11:37

I was left alone at 16, in fact, I moved out when I was 16 so I'm not seeing a huge issue with a sensible 15yo home alone. That said, DD is 15 and no, I wouldn't leave her for a full week.

Jowak1 · 11/05/2021 11:37

No - I have a nearly 14 year old and the most we leave him is for a few hours ensuring he knows how to contact us in an emergency and that he has everything he needs while we are out.

cookiecreampie · 11/05/2021 11:38

No chance.

Eileen101 · 11/05/2021 11:39

Not a chance. Even if they were perfectly mature and capable of looking after themselves, I would worry about them being lonely.

MindBodyChocolate · 11/05/2021 11:40

A week?! No. Leaving aside any safety issues it’s deeply unfair on the child. I’m all for independence but this is going much too far.

spiderlight · 11/05/2021 11:41

Absolutely not. Mine is 14 and in no way capable of looking after himself safely or healthily for a week.

HumunaHey · 11/05/2021 11:42

No, not for a whole week.

emilyfrost · 11/05/2021 11:43

Of course not Confused You do still have to parent teenagers, you know.

Ninibest · 11/05/2021 11:43

No, few hours in a day time is acceptable. I wouldn't leave my 15 year old alone after 8pm

pumpkinpie01 · 11/05/2021 11:45

Nope, but my sister did. We had an almighty row about it and it still angers me know when I think about it and the excuses she gave as to why it was acceptable.