To leave DC for a night (ages 17, 14 and 8)

[Itsnotfriday]

A friend suggested a group of us going away for a night or two towards the end of august. I've said if i was to go I'd be going for one night. This is something I've never even considered doing before, until DS1 (17) said he could look after DD (8). Usually I'd have my mum look after DD if I was going somewhere for more than a few hours but at the moment it's not something she would be able to cope with. DS2 (14) would probably sleep through most of it, maybe go on his xbox for a bit and probably wouldn't notice I'm gone. However DD has ASD, she'd perfectly fine with DS1 looking after her, it's something I'd have prepare her for since it's out of the norm but she'd be happy with it. In a way I think it would be good for both of us, she can cope without for most things only when I am which is pretty much all the time she relies on me for everything. I'm really not sure, part of me wonders why I'm even considering this and the other part is thinking why not?

Oldest is old enough, youngest no way! Sorry I wouldn't

What a kind offer from your son. Go for it!

Sounds ideal to me, first time will feel funny for you, but they’ll love it!

Without knowing your individual children it’s difficult to make a true assessment. However I would happily leave my 7 year old with most 17 year olds. I would stay someone close enough to dashback if necessary.

Not a problem if the 17yo is sensible. You know your children best.

Honestly no I wouldn't. 8 is still very young. Could your mum take the 8 year old for a sleepover and just leave the 14 and 17 year old?

Leave them some money for take away, and a dvd/let loose on the Sky with movies. 17 is old enough if he’s happy enough to do it.

I left mine when they were 18, 16 and two 13 year olds .

They were fine and really bonded together especially after the oldest wrote my car off!

Not the most relaxing break I have had.

Your sons will be fine, but I think the 8yo is too young.

I'd get the 8 year old on a sleepover with friends or family and leave the teens to enjoy themselves trash your house by having a massive party.

You could do a 'test-run' with you staying somewhere local (your mums?) overnight... in case it turns out your DD can't cope you'd be near enough to go home again, might give you a better idea of if a trip further afield for a night would be possible.

My Dbro is 19 and I would hesitate to leave him with my DC, my youngest is 5 and eldest is 8. I would’ve done it two years ago as well.

17 is more than old enough especially with the help of a 14 year old. I used to babysit all night for one family at 14 and their youngest was three. Go for it.

Is there someone close buy if something unexpected happens? Could the 14 year old be farmed our to a friend?

Mine younger ones are 16, 15, 13 - there is always the worry one of them would crack and batter the 13 year old! However 17 and 8 is a huge gap and very clearly 17 year old in charge and 8 year old a child and hopefully compliant?

Of course a 17yo should be competent to look after their 8yo sibling!

I wouldn't foist it on the eldest as an expectation, but since he's offered, I'd snatch his arm off.

At 17 I was left with a 6 week old baby overnight. I’d never have left mine, but the baby was fine.

Do it - your DS is probably the best option for your DD.

Baffled by the comments about the 8 year old being "too young".

OP, you know your kids best. Trust yourself.

@NearlySchoolTimeAgain

At 17 I was left with a new born over night. And every night there after.

Test run while you stay very close is a good idea.

DD is very different from an average 8 year old, sleepovers aren't a possibility, she's never been away from home for a night and would completely throw her off. However at home she'll happily go about her normal routine

If all three kids are happy with this andnif there is someone nearby to call for backup if required then I think it sounds fine

An NT 17 year old shoud be able to look after their 8 yo sibling, even if the younger one does have asd. Good prep and it should be fine

I think with adequate preparation she would be fine.

At 16 I was looking after up to 3 children babysitting into the wee hours whenever parents came back and looking after up to 5 children all day.

Just make sure an adult nearby is on call in case of emergencies (your mum if she is near) or a trusted neighbour/friend.

At 16 you can legally live alone.
17 year olds can drive, join the army, have children.... it is very much old enough to look after an 8 year old - and the 14 year old should only need an eye keeping on them.
This bobbins you only ever see on MN about never leaving a child alone until they're 23, and then calling every half an hour in case of fire, plague or pestilence, is just usual overbearing MN twaddle.
Go - have fun!

Do you trust your 17yo? I'd have trusted mine at that age to the end of the earth with her little sister. That's why we went to New York.

If you don't think the older ones are up to it (and I'd have left ds or dd2 at 14 in charge) don't do it. You know your children. Your youngest is used to siblings. Trial run, as others said.

Another one saying it's fine, as long as there are no complex needs like DD is likely to have an aggressive meltdown or had complicated medication or is often defiant.

How lovely of your teen to offer, and I also agree with other posters that at 17 he could easily have his own child/children to look after without any input.