To leave an 11 and 13 year old home alone over night?

[MrsKLemon]

I have a huge dilema. I have an overnight thing to go to which I thought was next friday. I'd arranged babysitters. Now I realise it's tonight. I can't get out of it without it causing a huge load of trouble and my babysitter is away this week. There is nobody else to lool after them.

They have been left home alone lots in the past, necessity as a working single mum. They are both happy left alone. They both have mobile phones. There are two house phones (upstairs and downstairs), they know the safety rules (no answering the door, telephone, no using kitchen appliances etc) and they have in the past been left home alone until 2am (accidental, car break down) and when I got home they were both fast asleep in bed. No problems.

It's a one off. AIBU to leave them alone all night? I have spoken to them about it, they're absolutely fine with it. I would have to leave at 6pm tonight and will be home about 8am.

Please don't flame me, just in a huge pickle here and looking for advice, not argument.

I think YABVU and I wouldn't do it.

Just to add they don't have friends over and the 13 year old is very sensible lad, teachers pet at school etc. He's almost 14. Youngest is almost 12.

I don't know actually

How sensible is your 13 year old?

Could a neighbour keep an eye on them?

What is the event?

From what you say about them being responsible, I think it's a tempting solution.

How far away will you be?

I think they are too young.
Is there absolutely no other option?

I wouldn't. Can't you farm them out on sleepovers to their friends?

Could you book a travelodge or something where you are going and then go back there after your function?

Overnight is too much too young IMO

We have a burglar alarm, fire alarms etc. 13 year old is very sensible. Won't even download music as it's illegal ... that kind of kid.

The event is work related, only on once, my name is down - i'll be in the shit if I pull out this late.

NO WAY!!!!!
I have kids about this age. They are extremely sensible but I would never ever leave them alone overnight.
PLEASE don't do it. It's not about it being risky ( it's very low risk) . it's the principle of the thing and the fact that child protection would hang you out to dry if it was discovered.

Too young - YABU

Why do you need to stay overnight at this event?

incidentally I am by a mile the most laid back, least prone to worry about my kids of any parent I have ever met. To the extent I have sometimes wondered if there is something the mater with me .

And I would NEVER do this

I wouldn't do it. They are too young. YABVU

I wouldn't.. and I am a fairly laid back person who has left a ten year old and an 8 year old while I went shopping. I'll be lynched for admitting that. (i mean popped to tesco btw, not out browsing for hours).

I think night time is a different story though.

I'd blow every baby sitting favour I'm owed and try and get them to a sleepover, even if it means promising to look after the most irritating child in the world for a week in the future.

Paralympia, I did that at that age too.

And Paralympia, you're not alone, except I went to Lidl not Tesco...

I'd just have to say I was ill and not go.

I wouldn't do this. They seem far too young to me, even if they are sensible. Personally I wouldnt' be able to enjoy myself whilst out knowing that they were all alone.

Can you not join the event for the meal part and drive back after that? How far away from your home is it?

What is it exactly? A customer event? Team building? Leaving do?

How would you be in the shit? Because of the money they have paid for your place?

Ps, I'm a single parent and in your shoes, I'd ask one of my married mum friends to help me out. Even if I weren't entirely comfortable asking. I know if I were married I would do this once in a blue moon to help out a single friend/acquaintance... Ask for help

No, I wouldn't. DS1 is 11 nearly 12, and DS2 is 9, so not that much younger than your two. No way would I expect them to take responsibility for themselves overnight.

I know I wouldnt leave my two boys alone, ones 14 on tuesday the other 11 on the 23/9.
Oldest one likes to burn things!! not just food if you get my drift!!
so no mine wont be left alone for some years yet unfortunatly.

what would happen if one of them was ill? or fell and banged their head? or just had a nightmare and was distressed in the middle of the night?

i have a 12 year old and i wouldn't dream of leaving him alone overnight and he is very sensible too.