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?

At 17 he can fight for his country, I'd say he'll manage looking after his 8yr old sibling.

My DD similar age to your eldest babysits her cousins...aged 13, 10 and 5 overnight.

I think if your eldest has volunteered...then he's probably capable.

Nobody has asked how much time your DS1 has spent looking after DD on his own before (an hour? two hours? an afternoon?) and also if him and DS2 ever argue. Is your DS1 the sort who would lord it over DS2? Has DS1 and 2 ever been overnight alone in the house before? If your DD has never slept out of the house, it sounds unlikely they have had the house to themselves. What about things locking up at night, security, mates around? Basically how responsible is your DS1 and would DS2 push his buttons or vice versa? And how experienced is he at handling your DD, including bath time and bedtime and so on. 24hrs is a long time without a parent to take over when the going gets tough. Do you have back-up for DS1 if it all gets too stressful? How far away would you be staying?

Etc.

Your son could be an au pair at his age and he'd be expected to do this kind of thing.

It's up to you, really, as to whether you think they'd all get along and accept your older child's rules.

If you are sure that your 17 year old won't have people over and is sensible enough to deal with an emergency then maybe. I wouldn't but then I don't know any 17 year olds, and those I remember would not have passed over an adult free house. Kids these days may be much more responsible.

Hmm with your update would your DD actually be ok with being left? Sounds like she's not the most confident perhaps?

17 is definitely old enough to look after a child. As long as he is sensible, go for it.

If you have a trusty 17 year old then I cannot see a problem with this. I was responsible at this age as are many many others.

If you trust your 17 year old and believe the younger two will “behave” then go for it!

We left our two to go for meals (but not overnight) when DD was 16 and DS (with ASD) was 11. Left them totally alone overnight when DD was 18. Made sure the fridge had easy to cook food in it and they had great fun together staying up way after DSs usual bedtime (it was school holiday time) and eating a whole tub of ice cream between them. DH and I had a great time too 😉

Thank you for all the replies, I'm thinking this could work. DS1 has quite a good idea of DD's routine but we've got time to go through that properly and I can write down anything he might forget. I'll leave enough money for a takeaway and they should be fine. DS1 has looked after DD for a few hours before, i know he's sensible enough. Not sure about DS2 going out with friends whilst i'm not there, I'm worried he might take advantage of the situation and stay out later than he's supposed to, which could start an argument between the boys