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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To leave 4.5 yo DD home alone

101 replies

camerondiazepam · 12/01/2011 15:36

For 40 mins or so while I pick DD2 up from nursery?

DD1 off school poorly today, slept all morning, ate breakfast first thing but nothing since. She is snuggled up with me on the sofa in her pjs. I don't really want to take her out in cold and rain to get lil sis but don't feel I can justify leaving her, even though she's v sensible and probably won't leave the sofa. No neighbours around to keep an eye on her.

What would you do?

OP posts:

bubbleOseven · 12/01/2011 15:38

i wouldn't sorry, what if theres a fire?

Dropdeadfred · 12/01/2011 15:38

I would never leave a child that age - sorry. I'd either ask if a friend could pick your elder child up or just wrap her up warm and take her - the fresh air will be good for her anyway

fel1x · 12/01/2011 15:38

def not!

Thelastnameleft · 12/01/2011 15:39

Sorry but under NO circumstances should you even consider doing this. Just wrap her up warm and go pick up your youngest.

TattyDevine · 12/01/2011 15:39

Do you not drive? Is it a case of making her walk in the rain etc?

If there's no neighbours, then you'll have to take her, at that age, really she's a bit young so its not just a case of her being sensible, its a case of her being scared. What if one of those pesky men who want to make you change gas provider knocks? She'll be scared out her wits, at that age, wont she?

Its that kind of thing rather than her helping herself to your chef's knife or seeing just why those matches are on the top shelf.

Its a right pain though, poor wee lass bet she'd rather stay warm.

itsatiggerday · 12/01/2011 15:40

Take her. Unless there's any way you can find someone else to come sit with her.

Sorry, I know it seems mean when she's far more comfy on the sofa, but she is far too young IMO to deal with anything out of the ordinary. And however unlikely a fire / smoke alarm etc is I just wouldn't risk it. I imagine she's also old enough to decide she wants some apple and to cut it up and cut herself... Sorry you probably don't need more help finding nightmare scenarios.

RealityIsShaggingWithIntent · 12/01/2011 15:40

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Mrsfluff · 12/01/2011 15:40

I wouldn't either, if there was a problem she is too young to deal with it. I leave my 10yr old while I walk the dog or pop to the shop, but have only done so for about the last year.

TattyDevine · 12/01/2011 15:40

40 mins is ages too, not that I'm saying its okay if its 5 minutes but realistically if your nursery was across the road and 2 doors down the risk would be very very much less than what can happen in 40 minutes.

charliesmommy · 12/01/2011 15:41

Errrr.. and you actually have to ask? ffs...

Of course its not ok.

I was a sensible child. It didnt stop me from trying to be very sensible when my mum answered the door, and me being very sensible put her cup of tea onto the cooker ring to keep it hot while she was talking at the door....

PurplePillow · 12/01/2011 15:41

Totally agree, would never leave a child that age at home alone, have just started to trust dd1 (nearly 11) whilst I'm in a neighbours house and that's only for 10-15 minutes.

bumpandfedup · 12/01/2011 15:41

Never. ever.

weeandpoo · 12/01/2011 15:41

Sorry you are BVU.

alarkaspree · 12/01/2011 15:41

No you absolutely can't leave a sick 4 year old home alone for 40 minutes. Sorry.

TattyDevine · 12/01/2011 15:41

See, referring back to the thread about leaving kids in the car, its this kind of situation where I could easily justify leaving a 4.5 year old in the car in the nursery car park, locked, for 2 minutes whilst I went in - bundled up warm with a blankie in the back seat - but not home alone.

happygilmore · 12/01/2011 15:42

I wouldn't. Can you drive as others have suggested? If not will she fit in a buggy?

Northernlurker · 12/01/2011 15:42

Are you out of your mind? That is far too younng to be left alone. I've left dd1 alone a bit yesterday and today - came home at 2pm to work at home because she is off colour. She is 12, nearly 13 but no way would I leave a poorly 4 year old alone!

proudnscaryvirginmary · 12/01/2011 15:42

Sure yeah go for it!

Oh but you might just get a little pesky visit from social services if others get wind of it, oh and don't be surprised if your child is absolutely terrified when it sinks in she's on her own, or she injures herself or is caught in a house fire OK?

Don't be so fecking ridiculous.

charliesmommy · 12/01/2011 15:42

How did you get the other child to the nursery this morning then?

Sidge · 12/01/2011 15:42

No way.

She's too young.

Going out in the fresh air even if cold and wet may do her some good if she's dressed appropriately.

TeaisForMugs · 12/01/2011 15:42

No way.

Original poster

camerondiazepam · 12/01/2011 15:43

Thanks for the sanity check, don't think I'd have made it down the path anyway, can I at least leave her duvet-ed up in the car while I get DD2?

She's just been sick

OP posts:

TattyDevine · 12/01/2011 15:45

Oh, I'm glad you have a car. I was thinking the desperation of having to make her walk 20 minutes there and back was making your brain funny - but you've seen sense! She'll be okay in the car, give her her duvet and a nice attractive Sick Bucket.

That reminds me, if you ever go into a doctor's waiting room, make sure you bring a Sick Bucket for your child, even if they are not being sick, it makes sure you get seen quicker

Northernlurker · 12/01/2011 15:46

Hurrah you aren't out of your mind

Yes she's fine in the car - car probably won't be though! Put some towels down on the seats and have a bin bag handy.

Original poster

camerondiazepam · 12/01/2011 15:46

Charliesmommy, I was about to take her to school, decided v last minute to bring her home and put her to bed, so she came with us.
Will obv take her, as I say, thanks for the sanity check.

OP posts:

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