QUICK - URGENT! AIBU to leave 2 x 9 yr olds home alone for 20 mins tonight?

[NeedToSettle]

They are my twin DSs. They will be 10 next month.

DD (15) is going to a party at 7pm. She invited 3 friends over so they could all get ready here and I was then to drop them off. DH should have been home at 6.30 but he has just told me, he won't be back until at least 8.30 (lorry driver). I cannot fit them all in the car (have a 6 seater). I also have an 18 month old that I will obviously be taking with me! I would like DD and her friends to get to the party as soon as possible as they are being bloody noisy!

I had thought about doing 2 runs leaving DD at home with one friend while I take the two others and then come back for them but that will be a PITA and I need to get DS3 to bed soon, he is normally hoovering at the bottom of the stairs asking to go up at 6.00pm .

The DTSs say they will be fine and are not scared, although DTS2 did say that if there was a fire, he would run upstairs to save the Wii which is not encouraging!

They have never been left before ever. So should I, would you?

Sorry DS3 does not hoover unfortunately. I meant hovering.

yes I would and so should you.

Is there a neighbour you could ask to keep an eye out for them, who they could go to if there was a problem?

Unless they have a pyromaniac streak you're not telling us about then they should be fine. Do they know how to phone you on your mobile, and how to pick up the phone (if and only if it's you)?

I think they'll be fine for 20 mins. I would do it if it was me. Especially as there are 2 of them.

20 minutes?

They'll be fine.

If they are generally sensible boys, I think it will be fine. No touching the cooker, no opening the door and if anything scary happens is there a neighbour they can phone?

I would. Make sure they have your mobile number and emergency number and know how to get out of the house. You know if they are sensible enough. I've done it with my nine year old for that length of time - he was fine.

Go for it.

If you trust them then it's fine.

If you don't, stick the girls in a cab.

I would - but I would remind dear dim twin LOL to get OUT in a fire, not save the Wi

Read them the usual riot act and warn then if there's any bother they wont get to do it again until they're 19!!

or tie them to the roof. common practice round here.

Put the girls in a taxi. You may be anxious leaving the kids alone and not drive as safely as normal.

I agree with chipping.

Still hmmming about it. They are insisting they will be fine. They could go next door in an emergency. We did not leave DD until she was at least 12 though.

Thanks for the replies. Good to know others would. Will probably decide just as I go out of the door!

LOL at Panfried. They would absolutely love that.

There is a starting point for everyone.

Put a dvd or film on for them, give them a snack and a drink and they will be fine, they will probably not even notice you have gone.

i would have, but i would have probably chummed them on the phone the whole time.

I'd put them in a taxi.