Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To leave my 5yo with my 14yo tonight?

36 replies

EIsbethTascioni · 28/01/2017 13:36

Dh and I have been invited out tonight. Last time we went out together was last January. We wanted to go for a quick dinner first so would be going out at about six and back on the last bus at 11.

My dad is in hospital so (obviously) can't now babysit.

Ds1 has said, don't worry, I'll babysit. They get on really well. He's going to put a film on, order a pizza, and fall asleep with him in our bed (long, complicated bedtime routine otherwise).

Is this ok? He's sat with him for a couple of hours before in the day. We have neighbours who would happily go round if it goes tits up, and we are fifteen minutes away in the bus anyway.

What do you think?

OP posts:
Imaystillbedrunk · 28/01/2017 13:38

If you feel comfortable with it go for it.

Stuffedshirt · 28/01/2017 13:39

It really depends on how mature your DS is. Would he know what to do in any type of emergency? Does he know not to answer the front door? Is he sensible enough to not do anything daft?

Only you can answer the question.

DialsMavis · 28/01/2017 13:41

I leave my 14 year old with my 6 year old as long as I can get home in 20 minutes. We put the little one to bed first as ours don't get on too well. She never wakes up in evening and we also have friends just round the corner if there was an emergency

Passthecake30 · 28/01/2017 13:41

Sounds fine to me. I'd make sure they aren't going to swabble over the tv choice as it could be a late night for the 5yr old!

EB123 · 28/01/2017 13:41

I babysat at that age (and younger). If he is sensible and you are happy to do it I think it's fine. Maybe just knock on your neighbours door and let them know.

Original poster
EIsbethTascioni · 28/01/2017 13:41

He's very mature and sensible. He's an old soul.

He has all the relevant phone numbers and we have a peephole on the door.

I was babysitting for the neighbours at 14 but it's different when it's your own.

OP posts:
Soubriquet · 28/01/2017 13:43

I would be ok with that

Long as he knows what to do in an emergency

Finola1step · 28/01/2017 13:45

14 year old overnight would be a no from me.

14 year old babysitting until 12 when parents are a short bus/taxi ride away and neighbours on call, equals fine.

But I would have extra cash on me for in case you need to get a taxi back quickly. And I wouldn't over indulge on the booze. Just in case. But that's me.

WorraLiberty · 28/01/2017 13:46

I would have done this with my DC, definitely.

However, you're unsure enough to have to ask so I would say no, it's probably not a good idea.

Original poster
EIsbethTascioni · 28/01/2017 13:47

I'm actually fine with it, as is DH. It was my mother who queried it. And (as usual) has left me doubting by own judgement.

OP posts:
Janek · 28/01/2017 13:48

If your 14-year-old knows to rescue the younger one if the house catches fire and won't be horrible to him then i would say there is no problem.

WorraLiberty · 28/01/2017 13:49

What is it that's worrying your Mum?

Original poster
EIsbethTascioni · 28/01/2017 13:49

Probably more the fact I'm going out socialising than any real concerns tbh.

OP posts:
ThroughThickAndThin01 · 28/01/2017 13:50

I think it's fine.

(And I tend to err on the side of caution)

Brollsdolls · 28/01/2017 13:52

At the moment I wouldn't leave my (very sensible) 13yr old with my 5 year old for more than an hour and late at night, but maybe by 14 I would...

Bluntness100 · 28/01/2017 13:52

I wouldn't have had a 14 year old baby sitter for a five year old, no. But you know you're own kids and know if this will work.

Im sure you can legally leave a 14 year old, but I'm not sure of the implications of leaving a five year old.

DisneylandDreams · 28/01/2017 13:53

I'd say that's fine too - our oldest babysat the youngest two from around that age for a couple of hours, and they're on the autistic spectrum. She's actually better than most 'standard' babysitters as she knows their needs and how to communicate with them, and she's always done a far better job! Also, you're not asking him to do something he's not comfortable with, so it sounds like he feels confident enough to know what to do in a crisis. I'd say it's fine.

Chelazla · 28/01/2017 13:54

I'd do it not for a baby but a five year old yeah

harderandharder2breathe · 28/01/2017 13:56

I think it's fine, he sounds sensible and he offered

Can you get home quickly in an emergency?

ArmfulOfRoses · 28/01/2017 13:56

Your 14yo sounds lovely Smile

GotToGetMyFingerOut · 28/01/2017 13:56

Yeah I would. Have a good night.

RumAppleGinger · 28/01/2017 14:02

I'm paying a 14 year old to come round and babysit my 6 year old tonight.

I was babysitting when I was 14. As long as you trust them, they are mature and responsible enough and your 6 year old it's likely to act up I can't see what the problem is.

TreeTop7 · 28/01/2017 14:02

It'll be fine. Have fun.

BoneyBackJefferson · 28/01/2017 14:10

He is sensible and has offered, go for it.

Oblomov17 · 28/01/2017 14:12

14 year old brother for what you describe sounds just fine.
I started babysitting, properly, for other families, at 14.