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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Leaving kids at 5am alone

49 replies

R2G · 26/02/2019 08:44

Guys my sister is running in a group at 5am. Has many other opportunities to exercise as ex has kids three times a week. Kids are 12 and 11. They are left alone for an hour.
In the past she had issues with a different ex regarding stalking which he was convicted in court.
Do you think this is ok at this time or no?

OP posts:
HoneysuckIejasmine · 26/02/2019 08:45

Depends on the kids, doesn't it. Sensible, mature, and at that time most definitely asleep? Meh.

CandyPuff · 26/02/2019 08:46

I think that's fine at that age

Seeline · 26/02/2019 08:46

I think it's fine as long as the kids know she is going, so don't wake up worried about where she is.
Presumably she is back in time to get them up and ready for school. Seems like an ideal time actually!

bridgetreilly · 26/02/2019 08:47

I can't see the problem.

Basecamp65 · 26/02/2019 08:47

Yes I think it is fine - depending on the kids.

bridgetreilly · 26/02/2019 08:47

Also, I don't see what's relevant about the stalker-ex?

TheHodgeoftheHedge · 26/02/2019 08:48

At that age I don’t think there’s a problem as long as they know and can get hold of her if need be.

Luckingfovely · 26/02/2019 08:50

It's fine.

katykins85 · 26/02/2019 08:51

Its absolutely fine Confused

ErictheGuineaPig · 26/02/2019 08:53

Sounds fine as long as they are happy to be left. In fact I have debated doing the same myself but I don't think my eldest would like it as its still dark then.

Tvci5 · 26/02/2019 08:54

If the 12 yr old is getting himself to high school and back I would’ve thought it was fine.

arethereanyleftatall · 26/02/2019 08:54

That's fine. They're presumably asleep then?

expatinspain · 26/02/2019 08:55

At that age kids are going to school alone, some have keys to come home alone for a few hours before their parents get in from work. They also could be spending portions of the holidays alone as I don't hear of kids going to childminders at that age. It's fine.

Passing4Human · 26/02/2019 09:02

What is the relevance of the ex and the stalking thing?

Birdsgottafly · 26/02/2019 09:06

Are you happy to be a point of contact for the children, if she isn't back at a certain time?

That's the only issue, with the stalker ex, that someone would know to report if she went 'missing' etc.

Springwalk · 26/02/2019 09:07

If he is still stalking obv that may be a problem otherwise totally fine re ages.

Springwalk · 26/02/2019 09:09

The stalker problem is an issue if he targets her kids or something happens to her whilst she is out, and they are at home unsure what to do. I don’t think either of these scenarios are likely to happen.

BadBear · 26/02/2019 09:10

Can't see an issue with it. That's a great age to start teaching them how to be more independent so an hour alone at 5am won't hurt them.

GahWhatever · 26/02/2019 09:10

Leaving an 11 and 12 year old alone for an hour is fine.

Pinkbells · 26/02/2019 09:10

With a stalker, no. With the ages and the timing if there were no problems otherwise then I would if I took mobile phone with me and was then back in plenty of time to give them breakfast and a bit of quality time before school.

frenchonion · 26/02/2019 09:11

Totally fine.

gamerchick · 26/02/2019 09:12

It's fine at that age.

You could always offer yourself to pop over and sit by yourself for an hour if it bothers you.

Dvg · 26/02/2019 09:12

Yeah 12 and 11 is fine, kids that age walk to school alone or go to the park alone etc so why not stay at home alone for an hour which is even safer?

legolimb · 26/02/2019 09:15

Of course it's fine.

If an 11 and 12 yo can't be left for one hour then there is a problem.

CallMeSirShotsFired · 26/02/2019 09:17

Christ alive, the poor woman has had a pretty shitty time of it with the stalking (and having to bring up children single handedly?); and you begrudge her 1hr a week of a exercise via a (probably gloriously quiet and beautiful) dawn run with like minded people while her kids are fast asleep?

Now she has you bitching at/about her to deal with as well Hmm

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