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Original poster

Another would you leave your child at home question

6 replies

Rockfordpeach · 09/07/2023 19:51

I work three nights a week and am usually home around 5 past 7 in the morning and DP leaves for work around quarter past 7 so there is usually always someone home. My workplace is relocating to slightly further out and I now won't be home until around ten minutes after DP leaves for work. I have a 13 year old DD and a 6 year old DS. It's fine to leave DD in charge, home alone for such a small amount of time isn't it? She has a phone and we're friends with our next door neighbours if she needed help.
I'm sure I'm just overthinking it, i used to babysit other children in their homes when I was 13 but I always second guess myself. No chance of either of us being able to change our start/finish times unfortunately

OP posts:
Grumpyfroghats · 09/07/2023 19:56

I think it's fine but the only thing I would say I'd that I would feel more comfortable if your DH made sure that your 13 yo was definitely awake when he left - just so there was no possibility of her sleeping through any issues, e.g. smoke alarms.

I would also, if you haven't already, get linked smoke alarms in every room.

LaMaG · 09/07/2023 19:56

Oh definitely yes. Such a short time, I would not worry about it. Especially when you have neighbours and you get delayed due to a crash or whatever.

Quartz2208 · 09/07/2023 20:00

I would have a back up plan for if it is longer though - could your DH stay longer if needed

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Original poster
Rockfordpeach · 09/07/2023 20:00

Grumpyfroghats · 09/07/2023 19:56

I think it's fine but the only thing I would say I'd that I would feel more comfortable if your DH made sure that your 13 yo was definitely awake when he left - just so there was no possibility of her sleeping through any issues, e.g. smoke alarms.

I would also, if you haven't already, get linked smoke alarms in every room.

Thank you, we have done it on the odd occasion when he's had to leave extra early and he always checks she's awake. I will look into linked smoke alarms

She's ok about it, I thought I might up her pocket money a little as 'payment' for babysitting

OP posts:
Original poster
Rockfordpeach · 09/07/2023 20:04

Quartz2208 · 09/07/2023 20:00

I would have a back up plan for if it is longer though - could your DH stay longer if needed

Not likely, he's very funny about his work and being able to leave on time. He would genuinely prefer me to get a different job to avoid him being late. My job is perfect for childcare and pays well for what it is so to find a new job I would likely have to take a paycut AND pay wraparound childcare on top so really trying to find a solution that works. If I was seriously delayed, I have my neighbours and two different friends on the same street as us I could call on in an emergency

OP posts:
caringcarer · 09/07/2023 20:10

As you have backup I think it sounds ok provided your 13 year old DD is ok with it.

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