Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To leave them home alone?

17 replies

LookAtMeee · 14/08/2020 09:28

8 (9 very soon) and 10 year old whilst I nip to the shop down the road (2 mins in the car).

8 year old still asleep, 10 year old downstairs watching TV.

We also have a large dog if that makes a difference?!

Would be gone for 10 minutes.

OP posts:
DiddlySquatty · 14/08/2020 09:29

As long as your 10yr old has a plan, knows what they would do if you didn’t come back when expected. Eg. Try and call you, then call someone else

zingally · 14/08/2020 09:44

Only if your 10 year old has a clear plan of action.

Eg: What would they do if you didn't return within a set time frame? Who would they call? What's their number? What would they say?

arethereanyleftatall · 14/08/2020 10:07

Yup, it's fine. But set your rules if you've never done it before. Mine are no answering door under any circumstance, get out if fire, and leave a phone with them to contact you or the emergency services.

KarmaStar · 14/08/2020 10:11

I think that should ok as long as you leave clear instructions,you have your phone on and the older (awake) dc is happy about you going.
Just a point though,be careful you don't get into a habit of doing it,then you think they were ok for ten minutes,another five will be fine....and so on.They are still very young.

Original poster
LookAtMeee · 14/08/2020 10:15

Thanks. 10 year old has his own phone with my number, his dad's number and grandparents who live close by. He knows to ring me and if not me, his dad who is self employed and only works 10 mins away so could be here if necessary.

OP posts:
kingdomcapers · 14/08/2020 10:21

If it was just the 10 year old, only needing to take responsibility for themselves or even if they were both awake and could hear your instructions and reassurances fine but I think you shouldn't leave one "in charge" and the other sleeping.
Depends on how ready the child is too. I left my oldest for first time when she was nearly 10, for 5 minutes max while I nipped to a neighbours, I gave her a big list - don't answer phone, don't answer door, don't try and use anything in kitchen, I'm locking front door if you HAVE to get out use back door etc etc I then said "now are you sure you're ok?" She replied "well I was" My son probably wasn't on his own until he was 13, didn't want to be, clearly didn't feel ready so I never did it.

chargeorge · 14/08/2020 10:23

so did you go? I'm intrigued!!

AvoidingRealHumans · 14/08/2020 10:29

Yes I'd say its fine so long as pp have suggested and the older one has a plan.
I would add no opening the door even to nanny. Just because that makes it clear that even to a familiar face we don't open the door. They may think they know the postman or hermes man because its the same one every time, the even nanny bit makes it clear that under no circumstances the door gets opened.
How did they get on?

Finfintytint · 14/08/2020 10:30

My MIL often relates the story of when she told 3 year old DH that he was in charge of the one year twins while she ran to the shop to get nappies! They all survived but unbelievable really.

Original poster
LookAtMeee · 14/08/2020 10:43

Hello, yes I went and am back now. Have just woke youngest up (laziest child ever). All was well.

It's not something I'd make a habit of but we were rather desperate for some loo roll this morning!

OP posts:
chargeorge · 14/08/2020 10:44

haha loo roll you can't do without!

Original poster
LookAtMeee · 14/08/2020 10:46

Eldest didn't mind at all, in fact he rather enjoys being given some independence I think. He's started taking our dog down to a little grass verge up the road by himself recently (we can see it from the window) and he loves it. He's always asking to go.

DDog does make me feel better about it too, he is soft as anything but can look a bit off putting if you don't know him and would definitely bark if a stranger came to the door.

OP posts:
Original poster
LookAtMeee · 14/08/2020 10:46

@chargeorge

haha loo roll you can't do without!
It was an emergency for sure Grin
OP posts:
User563420011 · 14/08/2020 10:50

Surprised nobody come along yet and asked what happens if you crash the car or the house falls into a sinkhole etc!
As long as you are happy to leave the 8 year old unsupervised (because 10 y/o shouldn't have to supervise them) then fine.

Original poster
LookAtMeee · 14/08/2020 10:53

Does anyone remember that friends episode where Rachel locks Emma in the flat by accident?

I love Ross' prediction, I just had to Google it to remember what he says.

A pigeon, a pigeon. No, no wait, no, no, an eagle flew in. Landed on the stove and caught fire. The baby, seeing this, jumps across the apartment to the mighty bird's aid. The eagle, however, misconstrues it as an act of aggression and grabs the baby in its talons. Meanwhile the faucet fills the apartment with water. Baby and bird still ablaze are locked in a death grip, swirling around in the whirlpool that fills the apartment

OP posts:
KrabbyPatties · 14/08/2020 10:57

Oh with a dog and a phone and close neighbours, there no problems doing this

I regularly leave my very sensible ten year old alone for an hour while I shop

Pinkypie86 · 14/08/2020 11:28

Honestly, IME it gives the eldest child some degree of importance and, a little responsibility. Nothing wrong in that at all!

Leaving children alone aged 10/11/12 - if they know what to do in an emergency, who to call and you have a means of getting hold of them. I really see no issue if it's for an hour or so.

You have your loo roll and all is well! :)

New posts on this thread. Refresh page