DS coming downstairs on his own?

[chihuahualady]

Not really an aibu but interested in what other parents think.

DS 3 has been coming downstairs on his for the past two weeks and putting the tele on usually helps him self to a piece of fruit as well.He comes down about 6:30 me and OH and DD usually wake up around 8-:8:30.

I'm fine with it but just wondering what other parents do, would you wake up with him and go down? I'm just no good when I'm tired so that extra 2 hours is needed.

you need a gate upstairs

My 4 and a half year old has just starting coming downstairs by herself, she doesn't help herself to food or drink though, just puts the TV on, we get up about 6 30/7 but she sometimes wakes earlier

You don't need to stop him getting up, someone needs to get up with him.

Not a chance at 3.

If you would here if there is a noise you hear him come down. Take it in turns of going with him.

How would you feel if his preschool/nursery left him unsupervised for that length of time?

You just need to do what every other parent has to do - get up with him and catch up on sleep when you can with early nights or a weekend lie-in!

We have two gates but he can open both, I know we can get up with him I just wanted to know other peoples opinions as i did feel ok with it and I have been watching him on the cameras so I haven't felt concerned but of course I have thought about potential dangers.

Good grief no chance!

This is potentially unsafe op. Someone - either you or your OH needs to get up with him.
You (both) need to prioritise your dc's safety over your own sleep.

I'd go downstairs with a blanket with him. I only came upstairs for a wee earlier and my 3yo got a knife out of the sink.

The problem is that choking is silent, and that's the biggest danger. Could you keep a banana in your room for him so he eats it with you? Otherwise you are going to have to get up with him (hopefully taking turns). I know that is rough - my 1 1/2 year old has been waking up for the day at 5.30 lately.

I haven't slept a full night since my oldest was born 8 years ago I would give practically anything to sleep later than 6am but letting a toddler downstairs alone for any length of time is very dangerous.

if you are sat watching him on the camera....why not get up?

I am in genuine that you think this is ok!

I really hope you're considering not to do this anymore after the responses on here.

How are watching him on the camera if you are asleep?

@Trevsadick no after I've woken up

I think it’s definitely too young, especially for that amount of time and with eating alone as well. Not everyone has to get up with your LO. You and OH could take turns so you still get the sleep you ‘need’ every other day. Alternatively you could just go to bed earlier - getting up at 8.30 is hardly the norm when you have kids, what happens when your children go to school? You’d already be out of the house at this time.

My DS does this but he's about to turn 7, I wouldn't be comfortable letting a 3 year old do it.

My 7 year old has recently started doing this and I was thinking she is too young! 3 is a bit small

No way. 3 is way too young.

Mine have come down on their own from around 6. I also was never asleep properly, they would (still do) come in for a hug and then go down and I wouldn't go back to sleep just doze.

You are leaving a 3 yo to roam around for two hours? Not on.

I honestly think that's too young and taking a huge risk. I have a 14 year old DD with SN. Every so often I think about whether I could leave her at home for a few minutes. What stops me is the risk of her impulsively doing something dangerous, without knowing that it's dangerous. Your DS might be fine for 30 mornings that you watch him. But what if he isn't one day? He's too young to be responsible for his behaviour.

There is no way I would leave my 10 year old on her own for 2 hours whilst I slept in, let alone a 3 year old! You are going to have to get up with him. Sleep deprivation is shit but it's all part of the fun of being a parent!

Having recently performed the Heimlich manoeuvre on my three year old who choked in the same room as me. I would say, no, no, no. It was silent, and terrifying and he would have died if I hadn't been observing him. Please don't let this happen to your son. Please.

OMFG

I get it, so tempting to get that extra sleep in especially when his happy doing his thing... I would worry about choking though.

Maybe lie on the sofa with a blanket so your in the same room?

2 hours is too much screen time OP for a 3 year old. I know it’s tough (my 4 year old gets up at 6am too), but take turns or have him snuggle in your bed a bit?