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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To leave DS at home?

49 replies

NotSoDesperateHousewife · 21/10/2015 13:56

He is 8, 9 in March so not just 8. He's not well, but not drastically, just a stomach bug. I've just picked him up from school.

He's now happy enough tucked up in my bed watching TV. I don't want to have to go out but I have to get his brother from school, DS2 is 7 so far too young to walk home alone and my only friend who could have picked up for me isn't doing the school run today as its her birthday.

WIBU to leave DS1 for 15-20 mins whilst I nip to get DS2? My neighbours are always in next door, know us, and he knows to get help in (very unlikely) case of fire.

OP posts:
squoosh · 21/10/2015 13:59

I'd do it.

InQuiteAPickle · 21/10/2015 14:00

Watching with interest to see what the replies will be. I have an 8 year old, although 3 months younger than yours and I'm not sure what I would do.

dustarr73 · 21/10/2015 14:00

He will be fine,just leave a mobile beside him and tell your neighbours.

KissMyFatArse · 21/10/2015 14:00

I would leave him in bed and let him know you're only going to be 20mins. He's not well and probably won't have moved a muscle while your gone if he's sick.

BertrandRussell · 21/10/2015 14:01

Yep. Go for it.

Northumberlandlass · 21/10/2015 14:02

I did it at that age. No problem.

ScrumpyBetty · 21/10/2015 14:02

If he's got access to a phone and he knows to dial 999 in case of (unlikely) emergency then I'd do it

lookingforsunshine · 21/10/2015 14:04

Personally I think that sounds fine but all 8year olds are different-only you know your son! Is he happy to be left alone?

Has he ever been alone for a short time before?

Providing you don't think he is likely to become more unwell and is reasonably mature for 8, I'd do it. Maybe call him when you reach school to reassure yourself and maybe mention to the neighbours that you are popping out if you are worried.
If he's never been home alone he might panic a bit-can be bit scary first time.
I wouldn't consider bringing him with you.

MummaV · 21/10/2015 14:05

I would do it.
He isn't likely move from where you leave him. A fire or other issue is highly unlikely to occur in the 15-20mins you are gone. If you were going out for a long time I wouldn't. However, as long as he is sensible and aware of what to do should an emergency occur, I'd leave him. Unfair to get him up and out when ill for 20mins.

Onthepigsback · 21/10/2015 14:07

I'd say it's fine. But I know someone who left a sleeping baby for 5 mins to cross the road and grab other child from the school gate, literally 20m from her front door and got hit by a car and killed. It was a while before the right people realised the baby was alone in the house. So awful. But my point is that it's not just problems at home you need to worry about, especially if you are rushing to get back and your mind is elsewhere. Still I would do it. But make sure he has a phone on hand and knows how to use it.

Topseyt · 21/10/2015 14:07

I would do it. He will be fine.

Tell the neighbours, and make sure he has your mobile number. Tell him not to answer the door, you'll be back in 20 minutes.

BertrandRussell · 21/10/2015 14:08

Onthepigsback- but it would have been even more awful if she'd been carrying the baby!

Gileswithachainsaw · 21/10/2015 14:10

He will he fine.

vomiting in the car or making him walk when he's not feeling great will only serve to make him feel worse.

BrandNewAndImproved · 21/10/2015 14:11

I would leave him in bed with the house phone and tell my neighbour he's there.

Bupcake · 21/10/2015 14:13

I'd ask one of the neighbours to sit in the house while you're gone, if possible - just in case he wants anything. But I agree he'll be on on his own if he has a mobile and the appropriate numbers, and doesn't answer the door.

museumum · 21/10/2015 14:14

I would but i'd check with the neighbour first that they were happy to be his emergency contact for 15minutes.

Nataleejah · 21/10/2015 14:15

Sure leave him.

ThumbWitchesAbroad · 21/10/2015 14:20

I'd do it, yes. Give him a phone, your mobile number and let the neighbour know that you'll be back in 20 mins.

diddl · 21/10/2015 14:29

Has he been throwing up?

I'd ask a neighbour to sit if he might be sick I think.

What sort of a walk would it be for your 7yr old?

Tbh, 7 doesn't strike me as far too young to walk home.

spiderlight · 21/10/2015 14:29

Yes, but let the neighbour know - they might offer to come and sit with him!

landrover · 21/10/2015 14:31

I would leave him downstairs on settee though, (just in case of very unlikely fire), then he could easily get out xxx but yes I would leave him. x

spiderlight · 21/10/2015 14:35

Our school, and several others I know of, won't let children leave unaccompanied until Y5 or Y6. A 7-year-old is going to be in Y2 or Y3.

Original poster
NotSoDesperateHousewife · 21/10/2015 14:35

7 yo definitely can't walk home, he has an after school club and they just won't let him as he's only year 3 and none of the children can until year 5.

OP posts:
Twowrongsdontmakearight · 21/10/2015 14:37

I'd leave him too. Leave the phone next to him with your mobile number. He'll be fine.

diddl · 21/10/2015 14:39

I suppose depending on where you live it might not be all that great for a 7yr old to walk home, but "won't let"??

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