to leave children alone in cinema?

[loveandsmiles]

In Scotland so second week of Easter hols here. Have 5DC from 13-2years age range and sometimes find it difficult to find an activity / day out, they will all enjoy. Anyway, today, oldest DC (13,10,7) wanted to go to cinema but I knew younger 2 wouldn't sit still for the whole film (5,2). Decided I would drop older 3 at cinema - took them in, paid for tickets, even checked with lady on till it was OK for them to go into the movie without me - then took youngest 2 to soft play which is in the same leisure park as the cinema although not the same building. My eldest has her mobile so was to phone me when the movie had finished and wait in foyer until I collect them.

So, everyone seemed happy with this. I am in soft play and youngest 2 off playing when a mum I recognise from school sits down beside me. We chat about hols and she asks where my other DCs are. I say they are in the cinema and she asks if they are with DH. I say no, he is at work, they are on their own and she is horrified and can't believe I would do this.

OMG have I done something dreadful and AIBU? I think I am quite an over protective parent but felt OK with this thinking all DCs happy and I am near by to older ones who are able to contact me.

Couldn't wait to get back to cinema after this chat thinking AIBU. Fortunately DC waiting in foyer having enjoyed the movie and the experience of being 'grown up' and there on their own, so think I would do this again but would any of you Mumsnetters??

I should think the 13yr and 10yr old would just roll their eyes at having to go to the toilet together and ignore. (If they were a girl and boy they couldn't anyway).

nobody - that's a good idea!

My children aren't angels but I know 7 & 10 year old will behave in a public place - would question their upbringing if they didn't!

Sure there are hazards in everything but if you worry about them all your kids would never go anywhere. I think my decision was ok based on the majority of replies and I will do it again - no more boring cinema trips ever!!!

Glad that common sense won the day!
You know your children - there can't be a hard and fast rule.

Other mum has a 13 year old son who is at school with my DD - maybe different levels of maturity

Boys are certainly in the main a lot less mature than girls at this age, although I accept there are exceptions.

My children aren't angels but I know 7 & 10 year old will behave in a public place - would question their upbringing if they didn't

My 9 year old DD does not always behave in public and you can question my parenting all you like, I am confident I parent her the same way as I did DSD, DD1 and younger DS, but she is a different story altogether. There are reasons other than upbringing for bad behaviour and this comment sound like you can't see that.

I am glad all your DC managed to have a nice day.

Good for you! My son is 13 and I've left him and his pal at the cinema themselves. You know your children best and they obviously repaid your trust in them. Also good for the children in terms of taking responsibility.

Sorry mama didn't mean my comment to sound bad - just meant that hopefully I've taught them what is right and wrong and in public you are on your best behaviour - although that usually completely changes once home! I appreciate all children are different thou - all my 5 definitely are - from 1 that hardly speaks to 1 that never stops!

Apology accepted, we all make comments that upset others from time to time and this one hit a nerve at a time when my nerves are feeling pretty raw anyway!