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AIBU?

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Original poster

Would you leave your 14 year old at home for this length?

68 replies

Sweatingcobbles · 06/06/2017 15:37

I have a work press event from 7-9.30pm next week. The bus journey is half an hour.
Dc has asked to stay home alone.

I would be out 6.15 to 10.15pm is.

We have no neighbours who can keep an eye out.
We have a relative who cannot come up but could get here in ten minutes if needed in an emergency.

Would you? If it was day I wouldn't question I think it is because it is night.

OP posts:
AlexanderHamilton · 06/06/2017 16:02

I'd be happy to leave hervinbthe daytime that should be.

BestZebbie · 06/06/2017 16:02

That is totally fine.
Just a) make sure they could get out in a fire (eg: don't lock them in if they don't have a key obviously to hand)
b) they have a phone with your number
c) possibly make your own 'peace of mind' rules like no using the oven or going out of the house (except in said fire) if it would help you feel better.

AlexanderHamilton · 06/06/2017 16:03

But I'm also in the situation where I drive & have family 5 mins away who could get there quickly if need be.

IHeartDodo · 06/06/2017 16:04

I used to babysit at 15 so yes...

fortheloveofcats · 06/06/2017 16:05

Leave him. He'll probably be thrilled.

CowParsleyNettle · 06/06/2017 16:07

14, yes fine in my book. Plenty old enough to alone for a few hours, my only concern would be them going to bed before I was back or staying up later than they should on a school night, I can't for the life of me think what time I went to bed at 14 (but with a horse at weekends and a school bus at 7.30am in the week I wasn't much of a night owl!)

TheMysteriousJackelope · 06/06/2017 16:10

Where I am the local hospital runs safe babysitting classes for 11 years old and up so the official line is that 11 year olds are capable of babysitting. If an 11 year old can be left in charge of a baby then a 14 year old can definitely be left on their own for that length of time.

My parents left me overnight at around 15 years old a couple of times.

Make sure she has a phone, knows to not open the door or answer the phone to anyone except you, and not to invite any friends over.

ThymeLord · 06/06/2017 16:12

Yes, of course I would do this. I have been leaving my 14 year old for over a year now, when i'm at work and it's the holidays.

SandyDenny · 06/06/2017 16:12

I would and have,as long as the child is happy and you are confident they won't do anything silly.

paap1975 · 06/06/2017 16:13

I used to babysit other people's children at that age

pinkbraces · 06/06/2017 16:13

Wow, this is a serious question? Your DC is 14, unless your child has additional needs I would wonder why you have to ask this question. Surely one of our jobs as parents is to bring our children up to be independent, if you are asking this question for a 14 yr old you might have a way to go!

ThymeLord · 06/06/2017 16:13

Come to think of it, I was also babysitting by 14.

MacarenaFerreiro · 06/06/2017 16:13

I would leave my 14 year old for that long. I wouldn't leave him in charge of his siblings though or it would be carnage when I got home.

trulybadlydeeply · 06/06/2017 16:14

I've used babysitters of 14 before - so yes, I can't see any reason why you wouldn't.

2014newme · 06/06/2017 16:15

Yes of course

123rd · 06/06/2017 16:17

I thought you meant AM to PM.. If it's just for a few hours then yes. Of course I would. My DC probably wouldn't even notice!

Acornantics · 06/06/2017 16:18

Yes, absolutely fine at 14. Some kids babysit from that age and are home alone with younger children for hours. We have left our 13 and 11 year old during the day for a couple of hours and don't think it's an issue at their ages, with rules in place, neighbours around and regular check ins on the mobile.

TheSnorkMaidenReturns · 06/06/2017 16:21

yes

Original poster
Sweatingcobbles · 06/06/2017 16:31

Thank you.
For the people commenting about independence and such, dc rarely goes out other than the journey to and from school and socially isn't brilliant following bullying at their old school so doesn't go out with friends really and is happy to tag along with me so apart from an hour or so in the day where I have nipped out it has genuinely never come up Blush

OP posts:
GypsyQueen · 06/06/2017 16:33

I used to babysit from the age of 13,that was a long time ago though and girls are supposedly more mature at that age. He will be classed as an adult in two years so I think he will be ok on his own for four hours.

BitOutOfPractice · 06/06/2017 16:33

Yes. And I have a 14yo and would happily do this

nannybeach · 06/06/2017 16:33

Should be fine I used to baby sit small cousins from age of 12.

gttia · 06/06/2017 16:35

I've left my 13 for that time before, and last week she did 7 hours with her sister whose 11 for two days. I think they only left their rooms to eat!!

Therealslimshady1 · 06/06/2017 16:39

He'll enjoy it

My DS (14) loves nothing more

Plays computer games/watches telly, eats his body weight in crisps, drinks all the milk and goes to bed a bit late

But that is fine, imo

He babysits next door's toddler some nights, 14 is a good age to start a bit more independence (this includes the consequence of being tired the day after a late night)

leighdinglady · 06/06/2017 16:41

Who on earth wouldn't think this is ok? In two years they'll be able to live alone and have children if they so wished. I'd be pretty worried if a 14yo wasn't able to look after themselves for one evening