Leaving younger dc with older dc

[Busyworkingmum71]

It's our 10 year wedding anniversary later this year and dh and I want to go away for a long weekend -Thursday to Monday. We have 4 dc, who at the time of the trip,will be 18,17,9,&7.

Would it be unreasonable to leave the older dc (DDs) in charge of the two younger ds's?

We do have parents we could ask but on both sides are getting older with health issues and don't like to ask them. We could split the care between family members.

Just wondered if this is something other people would consider doing?

autumn so you never ever use anyone in your family to mind your children?

Course they should be able! Knock on wood, but if anything happened to you and your DH, they would possibly be in talks about custody of the little ones. Brief them on emergencies, book them in a couple of appointments- cinema tickets for the Saturday, takeaway money for Monday night, dinner with grandparents on the Sunday afternoon. Then book your holiday!

I really don't know on this one.

My DDs are 11,9 and almost 2, and I honestly can't say whether I'm appalled or delighted at the thought of buggering off and leaving them to it in 7 years time.

How are your oldest two together? I'd rather leave DD1 with the baby than her middle sister any day of the week.

I don't think I would. For an evening or overnight possibly, but not for a long weekend. A seven year old is a big responsibility for 18 and 17 year olds. The younger ones may miss you and it would be hard for the older ones to deal with their upset.

I would scale it down a bit in terms of time if you want to do this (say a night away) or find someone else to look after younger ones.

If all your DC are fine with it, then do it! Your older ones can call their GPs for help if they need it.
Do pay them, though.

DH and I did this for a few days, too, left younger DC with older teenagers. I think they liked the responsibility!

Of course YANBU.

You are leaving them with one adult and one nearly adult!

Families muck in for stuff like this. I agree with SecondViola

Seven is not young to be left at home with grown up siblings.

Go and have a nice time. Your marriage is important too and you don't need to feel guilty.