To leave the children .....

[siblingrevelryagain]

I’m canvassing opinion, as I am really torn about whether my idea is ok or madness.

I’m a single parent of 3 children; 11, 9 & 6. I cant exercise regularly due to working full time and childcare, so I thought I could do the following safely; wake the eldest (abt 7, when he’s usually up anyway), he comes downstairs whilst the other two either sleep or watch tv with him (what they do each morning anyway), and I walk around the block for approx 15-20 mins. He has his phone, with instructions to call me if I’m not back within 20/25 mins. If he can’t raise me he is then to call my parents or sister who live nearby.

The children are all sensible and well behaved and wouldn’t attempt to cook or do anything other than sit watching tv until I came home.

My radar is probably not the best to judge; I’m usually overly cautious with safety, but equally I think I’ve mitigated the risks?

I take my six year old running with me sometimes? Would that work? Or walking/running home from work to build it into your day?

The 6 year old would worry me. Also, just daft things can happen with kids .....our 16 year old fell head first down wooden stairs the other night. Our other one once choked on a Chuppa Chups lolly needing a heimlich manoeuvre .....the mind boggles.
Get Zumba or Just Dance and do that instead. Maybe save the walk for the weekends when help might be around.

Thanks for the advice and suggestions-I don’t think I will leave them (I’m convinced they’d be fine, but the gain is just not worth even a slight risk, especially when there are many other options).

I have taken my 2 (9 and 4) for a jog a few times and that works well.

Could u go to a park with a playing field next to it? You can run/walk round the field while they play but u can still see them? Or an exercise class and they sit and watch/play on ipads

Take a look at the Leslie Sansone DVD’s on Amazon for walking exercise at home.

Im a single mum with 3 small kids too. My eldest is not yet 6. I can see why you are tempted but you will be in a lot of trouble if someone reports you. Never mind considering if something went wrong. I got an exercise bike for £25 on gumtree. If i ever get on it that will help.

On YouTube is body combat or other workouts. Better than a 15 min walk which won't do much.

Leslie Sansone is on YouTube too. How to keep fit by walking in the house.
Or get up early and do this one.

When I was 11 I looked after my 6 month old niece for 2 or 3 hours!

I think we are making things very hard for our children

When is the right time to teach them about responsibility, taking care of themselves?
I know my children and what they are capable of

op you know your dc
Is the 11 year old sensible?
Is your 6 year old a handful?

Is leaving the house the only way you can do exercise? Or do you just want to get away?
You can exercise indoors or in the garden can't you? Well only if you're that concerned about leaving them.
So your point is?

I know somebody who leaves her seven year old in bed every morning while she runs 5K. When she wakes, her DD, who she describes as sensible, plays on the iPad until her mum returns. I suppose it is much safer to go in the early mornings rather than later in the evenings when people could call to the door.

My main concern would be if anything happened to the mum herself while she was out and the DD was home alone for longer than planned....