Leaving 13yo at home

[mangoes1]

Just that really, I bought tickets to a show , including driving time 2 hours total . I was relying on my 13yo to stay home on his own but now I'm worried. We do have 3 huge dogs so I'm not too worried about intruders. Just thinking of things I I should tell him in case he panics. I will text every half hour and we will be back by 8.45. I can't work out if I'm over or under reacting! He knows to run to the neighours if any problem he cant solve.
It should be right?
He's not even a pfb just the only one to be left alone as he is the youngest.
He has his own phone and our neighbours are close . He knows emergency services number.
Have I forgotten something? ( Again this is just because he is the only one to be regularly alone because of an age gap)

Can't get poll to work but basically asking if you would be alright with this.

Totally fine.

As long as you know he's sensible and won't do anything silly I would say it's fine. He knows where to get help if he needs it.

Yes I think it's fine. I wouldn't text every half hour though - it might seem a bit as if you don't trust him? If this feels like a big deal could you build up to it by going out for a meal locally as a practice?

Sounds absolutely fine, why would you need to text every half hour? Seems over the top.

Of course. Mine were home alone from 11.

Thanks everyone. I feel better now. My older kids had each other so it's just him being on his own that is freaking me out. I can imagine the response to the suggestion of a babysitter so not going to suggest it. And I don't want to make his GM drive close to 2 hours in total to mind him . He is very responsible and I'lll get him a Dominos ( we will pick up and drop back to him) and then I think he will be fine. Funny to be nervous about your 4th!!!
FX

I think that’s fine OP.
As mine got older, before I went out I’d say “We aren’t expecting anyone so don’t answer the door.” Then remembered DC were 6’5” and 6’2” and almost adults!

I think the only person panicking is you. Your 13 year old is unlikely to even to notice you are gone and will appreciate time alone. No need to text every half hour either. Just a basic run through what to do in emergencies is fine.

Don't text every half hour

If he doesn't reply because he has dozed off, gone for a wee, become entranced by a game etc, what are you going to do?

And don't do anything that means you have to have your phone out in the theatre.

One of my dc would be fine at this age...the other wouldn't.

But generally sounds ok.

The only thing you’re being unreasonable about is the texting. Don’t ruin the show for the people sitting next to you!

It sounds like your 13yo will be fine.

13 is fine. Don’t text. There’s just no need for it.

Most 13 year olds would be totally fine left alone for 2 hours. I absolutely wouldn't text every half hour. What if he doesn't see your message? You could end up panicking over nothing. Just let him message you if he needs you.

Why on earth would you need to text him every half an hour? Or at all?

He's 13 and, you're out for a short amount of time and home pretty early sounds absolutely fine. I have a 13yr old DS and wouldn't think twice about this (similar to you, we have great neighbours, DS knows them well etc etc)

I won't text every alf hour but I will have my phone on silent but on my lap. It's just different when they are on their own. My older 3 I wouldn't think twice. Will remind him not to open the door.Thanks all

My son was a 'young' 13 year old but was home alone for a couple of hours each week (when I worked a longer shift) without any problem. I'm sure he'll be fine.

What breed are huge dogs?! Can he defend himself from them if need be?

I have a 13yo and I can imagine her face if I suggest a baby sitter. I will leave my 13yo to go to a show.

When I was 15, my parents visited family four hours away and left me at home for three (totally uneventful) nights. When my brother was 17, he was alone for an afternoon and almost set fire to the kitchen trying to cook sausages 🙈

Only you know your DS but if he has his head screwed on and he feels comfortable with it, it'll be fine.

I think it's fine
But one quick point
If its a big arena concert you might not have much signal, both ways
Perhaps his older siblings could be in the loop for checking in if you can't. Agree every half hour is too much
I would just get "I'm alive" gifs from my youngest every so often..

He’ll be fine. My 12 year old son is often home alone. He likes the peace. I don’t think he moves from his Xbox.

i dont think you should text him every half hour. Just maybe check in once but otherwise he’ll call you if he needs you

This really isn't fair on the people around you.

I don''t understand, on silent , face down, with just the vibration on it could affect anybody. Already got the older siblings on texting/phoning duty so that's covered.
Anyway, I think it will be fine. He is very responsible and clever so it will be a good test. He's been left alone for various times but during the day so the only difference is it's night time.

Whoever was worried about the dogs please don't. Huge was the wrong word, 3 are labradors and sleep on his feet and lap. One is big but a shepherd nothing scary.

Thanks everyone I feel better now.