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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Leaving 13 year old at home with 3 year old for 2hours during the day

142 replies

youmeat6 · 19/04/2024 23:27

Well that, 13 year old is mature and can be trusted to stay home alone for a few hours, would it be unreasonable to leave the 3 year old with him for 2 hours? My parents live a few doors down.

Would like outside opinions.

OP posts:
percypal · 19/04/2024 23:28

It’s a no from me. The 13 year old on their own, yes but the responsibility of a toddler is too much IMHO.

SoupDragon · 19/04/2024 23:28

My initial reaction is "hell no!"

everydaywonderful · 19/04/2024 23:29

Why not leave the three year old with your parents?

Oilioy · 19/04/2024 23:29

As a one off or regularly?

If parents are a few doors down why can't they be there?

WithACatLikeTread · 19/04/2024 23:29

No chance.

MagicLemon · 19/04/2024 23:29

Why can't the parents have them/ the 3 year old. No I wouldnt.

WaitingForMojo · 19/04/2024 23:30

I definitely wouldn’t.

WafflesOrIceCream · 19/04/2024 23:30

Leave the 3 year old with your parents!

Original poster
youmeat6 · 19/04/2024 23:31

My husband thinks it's ok, but I was iffy - it's doesn't feel right to me. I will take my 3 year old with me

OP posts:
Runnerinthenight · 19/04/2024 23:31

No way!

Greenfluffycardi · 19/04/2024 23:31

No

alovelynight · 19/04/2024 23:31

Absolutely not.

MumChp · 19/04/2024 23:31

Fine with grandparents next door.

Bearpawk · 19/04/2024 23:32

I think that's too much responsibility for a 14 year old.
What is there's an accident/ injury/ fire/ weirdo at the door.

Bearpawk · 19/04/2024 23:33

Sorry 13 year old.
I'd have been ok doing that aged 15 I reckon

EconomyClassRockstar · 19/04/2024 23:33

It would entirely depend on the 13 yo and the 3 yo in question. A mature, sensible 13 yo with an "easy" 3yo and parents up the road? Yes. A 13 yo who would be on their phone/console while the 3 yo tore up the house? Nope.

Tomorrowtomorrow77 · 19/04/2024 23:33

Absolutely no. Please do not do this.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 19/04/2024 23:34

Why would you choose to leave them with the 13 yo rather than your parents?

There’s me debating if I can leave my 10 yo with my 15 yo!

nozbottheblue · 19/04/2024 23:34

...or a 3-yr-old tantrum? That's hard enough for an adult to cope with never mind a 13yr old. It's a no from this jury.

everydaywonderful · 19/04/2024 23:35

A child near us drowned a few weeks ago while in the care of a young teenage sibling. That child is gone forever and the sibling will never recover. They should not have been responsible.

sunflowerdaisyrose · 19/04/2024 23:35

My niece used to babysit mine at similar ages but at her house so her mum was there to intervene if necessary, but she was in charge of playing with them and keeping them entertained, could your daughter do that at the grandparents' house?

Original poster
youmeat6 · 19/04/2024 23:35

EconomyClassRockstar · 19/04/2024 23:33

It would entirely depend on the 13 yo and the 3 yo in question. A mature, sensible 13 yo with an "easy" 3yo and parents up the road? Yes. A 13 yo who would be on their phone/console while the 3 yo tore up the house? Nope.

13 year old is sensible, 3 year old is very well behaved and I would've been 2 minutes away. I won't be doing it, it doesn't sit right with me. Husband thought it would be ok

OP posts:
cheeseandketchupsandwich · 19/04/2024 23:36

Nope. Too much responsibility expected of the 13yo. Totally unfair

CHEESEY13 · 19/04/2024 23:42

A 13 year old may cope (just about) until.......the toddler generates an unforeseen emergency situation which requires an experienced adult thinking on their feet.

So, on balance, not a workable idea.

Comfysock · 19/04/2024 23:43

Never in a million years

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