To consider leaving my DC alone

[QueenAstrid]

DD nearly 14, DS nearly 11. Both are sensible. We live in a quiet area with friends around the corner. Would I BU to consider leaving them alone to go out for drinks if both feel comfortable with it? I could be home in 15-20 minutes if needed.

Do they get on? Have they been left before? How long will you be out?

I’d be worried about the 14 year old having a load of friends over.

If he’s not the type to do that, I probably would leave them as long as you’re not planning a late night out. I’d order them a takeaway of their choice to come while you’re out as well.

I would if they are happy with that. Keep phone on vibrate in your pocket so you don't miss it if they call.

Yes they get on though will likely be doing there own thing. They have been left for an hour or two during the day with no problems. I've been invited out for drinks with a friend and guess I'd be out for 3 hours ish?

I would

Yes, I would

I'd probably be fine with that

I think it's fine. Maybe get a doorbell camera so you can check comings & goings.

I'd leave the 14 year old but not the 10 year old I think.

Yeah, it sounds fine OP. At their age they probably won’t leave their rooms or one will be in the living room watching telly and the other one in their room etc.

Takeaway as a treat and ring once to check on them.

Would the 11 year old be able to cope if the 14 year old was knocked unconscious? Always evaluate by the capability of the younger dc.

Thank you, DD is the 14yo and there's no way she'd have people round, she'll likely spend the evening Snapchatting them as usual. I'd probably feed them before I went out and leave snacks and treats.

Ah, yes as long as they’ve been fed. The teens/preteens I know have massive appetites and my biggest concern would be them ringing me complaining about the food options hence why I suggested a takeaway.

Thanks everyone. No the 11yo would not cope with an unconscious DD. But in those circumstances he would ring me straight away. I used to babysit multiple children at the age of 15 but I'm not totally sure about this!

It's absolutely fine.

I'd probably order them a takeaway as a treat, too.

I think it would be fine as long as you aren’t planning on getting smashed

Absolutely fine so long as they get on well and both sensible sorts.

@thelegohooverer

Would the 11 year old be able to cope if the 14 year old was knocked unconscious? Always evaluate by the capability of the younger dc.

I was babysitting babies when I was 14. Don't be absurd.

I babysat at 14 & wasn't first aid trained.

I was babysitting for people's toddlers at 14. They would leave numbers on the fridge and go out for the night. That was only 16 years ago so I think that's absolutely fine xx

Also if we're going to use the 'highly unlikely scenario' as a benchmark, surely no adult should ever be left alone with children in case they were knocked unconscious?

It's a miracle frankly I've managed 15 years of single parenting without that having happened once.

I would
I babysat when I was that age !

Also if we're going to use the 'highly unlikely scenario' as a benchmark, surely no adult should ever be left alone with children in case they were knocked unconscious?

Exactly, most adults would phone for help which the 11 yr old is capable of.

Would the 11 year old be able to cope if the 14 year old was knocked unconscious? Always evaluate by the capability of the younger dc

That’s a tad dramatic !!!!

When is it? Could you order a cheap security camera so you can keep checking on things? I have the Neo's camera and can use it via my phone (i do have it for security not keeping check on kids)
If they are sensible i would trust them, i used to be left with my younger brother at 14 for a few hours, i could use the oven to we got a frozen pizza or those chicago town ones that you microwave