To leave 4.5 yo DD home alone

[camerondiazepam]

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?

it depends how far the car is from where you have to collect dd2 i would say. is there no friend you have who could collect dd2 from classroom and bring her to the car for you so you can stay with her?

Do you ask permission for everything you do with dc?! What do you mean plaintively asking 'Can I at least leave her...in the car'???

Grow up.

leaving her in the car is fine so long as its within sight..

My rule of thumb btw is that up to the age of 8-9ish you cannot TRUST a child to remember how to cross a road safely. Therefore when thinking can they do x I apply that age test - does whatever it is require that degree of ability to take responsibility for themselves that crossing a road safely does? If yes and they are under 9 then no they can't be left to it - whatever it is.

No no no.

Thanks Reality for helpful post, poorliness had been non-specific IYSWIM but obv would have been nightmare if she'd vomited.
I know this sounds like massive defensive backtrack but 40 mins was absolute worse case scenario. Anyhoo, I completely get where you are all coming from, will bundle her up. Sorry for bothering you.

Oh gosh, I can't believe you even had to ask. And what Northernlurker said completely!

I am shocked that you would have ever considered it, she's 4 yo? I understand that you wanted her to remain comfortable, but under no circumstances should a child of that age, let alone one who is also ill, be left unattended at home.

What the law says

Leaving a 4 yo home alone is not acceptable, sensible or kind.

Was I the only person to bang their head on the desk when it turned out the OP actually had a car?

Ladies - the op hasn't left her alone and isn't going to. I agree I thought it was the daftest thing I'd heard since the conservative government was elected but lets not burn her at the stake too much now ok?

If a childminder left a 4 yr old by themselves they would be out of a job pretty darn quick!

hope your dd is feeling better soon and glad you are taking her :)

It doesn't matter whether she did or not - my shock is that the matter was even considered, to the point she came here to ask!

No burning at the stake, genuine

NorthernLurker!
a) you started off by saying she was out of her mind
and
b) this is AIBU!

be realistic

Tatty - thanks for your top tip about the bucket, must try that next time

After 4 children - the oldest now 16 - i wouldn't even leave my 6 year old alone in the house for that long

glad you listened to reason

What a stupid question to ask

Er, you know this is AIBU right? On Mumsnet? The Mumsnet AIBU section? Flippin el you're brave

Agree that Tatty's bucket/doctor's waiting room tip fantastic! Might bring one for self as well next time I go. Hope she is feeling better CamDiaz.

OP dont you have anyone that can collect your other child for you instead of you taking the sick one out?

In all fairness to OP, in her situation, I would have absolutely nobody I could ask to pick up DD (for example if I was ill - I'd have to go and collect as none of my family can get to her in time)

Blu - I asked if she was out of her mind. I didn't state it as a definate article