Would you let a 13 year old look after an almost 7 year old for half an hour

[Verite1]

Just that really? Going to be at home with the kids a lot over school hols. Could I nip out for quick run/shops for 30 mins with the 13 year old in charge of the nearly 7 year old. With strict instructions not to open door, cook, go outside etc. I never have so far but think I can be over protective at times so I find it hard to judge.

So:
YABU - yes 30 mins is fine
YANBU - no - that would be completely negligent!

Of course!

I mean I remember babysitting a neighbours baby when I was 14! But somehow everything seems different now.

I would for a short time, yes.

It absolutely depends on the children. I know some who would be done watching telly and others who would cause hell and possibly burn the house down.

Fine not done.

I would say yes.

Assuming the 13 year-old is pretty responsible, yes absolutely definitely fine.

Of course. I was babysitting for money at that age!

For half an hour- a couple of hours, yes. All day no

Yes

Yes the only thing I would be concerned about is if the younger one would behave for the older one, sometimes siblings take advantage. But you know them and you’re not going to be out long.
my 12 year old is staying at her older sisters for a week in the summer holidays to look after her 6 year old . We’re all ok with it .

Would they argue? Mine would so I couldn't leave them alone.

Something I read on here years ago that really stuck with me is to make sure they know what to do if it's not just half an hour. What if you get run over, car breaks down, abducted by aliens... whatever.

Does someone know they're there alone and do they know who to contact and how if you don't return as expected and they can't get hold of you.

Because half an hour to the shops is fine.... but what if it's not....

Definitely my 10 and 7 year old are both very sensible and we've left them for between 30 mins and an hour. We have important phone numbers by the phone and lovely neighbours they know to go to if there's any problems.

Of course! I'm quite protective but I used to leave my 10 and 7 (nearly 8) yr old! Now 11 and 9 and they r often on their own together!

Yes it's fine.

Yes, this is important. We have a list of people to contact if I'm not home when expected, with instructions to work their way down the list until they reach someone. The list starts with DH, then moves to Grandparents, neighbours and ends with the Police!

Yes - all good points. I would make sure eldest has phone charged and knows who to contact etc. They are generally good kids and the results on the poll so far do look as though I am indeed overprotective!

Yes, I was babysitting at that age

I think it depends on how sensible they are. From 12 my mum would be out of the house by 6am and it was my job to get my little brother up and ready then drop him off at his friends house on my way to school. His friends mum then took him to school.

In general fine, I was babysitting for full days and in evenings at 13 for children as young as 2 and that was the norm back then. It really does depend on the children though. Would the older one be able to respond to an emergency or would they panic or freeze? Does the younger one see their older sibling as someone they should listen to and take guidance from or would they think they can do what they want whilst no grown ups are around?

Absolutely fine, OP, for a few hours max.

Of course! Unless there’s a particular reason not to trust them.

I wouldn't...but I don't think it's extremely negligent

I would definitely do this with my 12yo and my 6yo, but I suppose it depends on the kids.