Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

It’s not normal to leave a 2 year old home alone for any length of time, is it?

104 replies

DancinInSeptember · 02/09/2023 22:25

Name changed here.

I went out for drinks with a friend for the evening, and we walked back to her house after. I said I’d get an taxi but she insisted her fiancé would drive me home. Fiancé said because their house is out in the sticks it would be difficult to get a taxi, I gave in and said “thanks, if you’re sure.”

I said I felt bad because I didn’t want to disrupt their 2yo’s sleep. But my friend said “don’t worry about it, it’s fine” and I’m sure she said something about the kid being fine once plonked in the car seat. On getting in the car, the fiancé said “oh, you’re coming?” in surprise to her, she said yes and we all got in the car. All except the kid that is.

At that point I said “what about Amy?” (Not real name) and my friend said “oh she’ll be fine she sleeps through anything, even if the dog barks” and I realised the kid wasn’t in the car and I was shook. We’d had drinks but weren’t drunk and I was in disbelief that this scenario was playing out. I just kind of froze and didn’t say much during the 10 minute journey.

I feel awful that I didn’t kick up a fuss and guilty I let this happen. But I feel the fact they’re both feel it’s OK to leave their kid home alone, is completely negligent and dangerous. What the fuck do I say? I want to bring it up but no idea where the hell I start? We’re really good friends but now I’m questioning everything. AIBU??

OP posts:
Simonjt · 03/09/2023 08:23

No it isn’t, I recently needed to get a new libre out of our van at night and my husband was out, our eight and almost two year old were in bed. We lived in a flat at the time so the car was three floors down (under ground car park), so it would be at most 3-4 minutes. I set up my ipad in our daughters room and video called my phone so I could watch her the whole time I was outside. I also told our concierge to shout me if any non-residents asked to go to through to the stairwell on our side of the building.

nottodaytomorrow · 03/09/2023 08:26

Sounds like your friend was more concerned about you being left alone with her boyfriend/ husband than her 2 year old being left alone at home to me Confused

Ellie1015 · 03/09/2023 08:28

Are you sure she wasnt joking and child at gran's? Or another adult/teen visiting perhaps? If not then it is not acceptable. Mum staying home, persevering with a taxi or sleeping on their couch all much better options.

No idea why they would even consider it. I think the chances of a fire or burglary are small (though not a risk i would take) but the child could have woken up and got a fright even if they stayed in bed. If they got up and realised nobody home i expect they would be very distressed.

whatdidshedotogetahillnamedafterher · 03/09/2023 08:40

No OP its never ok.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page