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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

What age would you let your DC into a shop on their own

65 replies

Toomuchresponsibility88 · 26/01/2025 14:47

DD is 8, 9 in a few weeks

Today we needed to go to the local shop (think a local Co op size so small ish) but i also needed to walk the dog we're are dog sitting. Obviously dog isn't allowed in the shop

Dd is relatively sensible so I told her the two things we needed (bread and milk) gave her £10 and watched her from the window while she went to buy them for me.

Should also point out we're probably at the shop 3-4 times a week so the shop staff know her and she was in my sight at all time.

Dh was working and juat got home and when I told him has gone mad saying I prioritised the dog over DD

I think it gave DD some responsibility and she loved it, not saying I will make a habit of it but proved to her she knew what to do

OP posts:
EndorsingPRActice · 26/01/2025 17:01

Oh for the good old days. At age 6 I used to walk down town on errands all the time, for bread and milk, for fish and chips, for whatever mum had run out of. I just feel sorry for the circumscribed lives kids lead nowadays. My DSis got a job when I was 6 and I clearly remember starting to go shopping alone, before that I usually went with DSis, so I knew exactly what to do. Mum used to tell me what it would cost before I left. I was not to pay more, but rather come home without. If it was more than one or two things she would get me to repeat the list several times before I left so I’d remember it properly. I loved it when I was little. Please give your DC the independence to do a bit of shopping by themselves.

Snorlaxo · 26/01/2025 17:02

Well done to your dd and I would have done the same. If dd refused but you insisted then you would be unreasonable but stuff like this is good for her self confidence and skills.

Parlezz · 26/01/2025 17:02

Yabu to think about it this hard and justify every moment of a non event. She didn't need watching in a co-op and I'm sure she can manage to remember more things generally than 'buy milk and bread'.

TENSsion · 26/01/2025 17:03

With me waiting outside where I could see them? 4 or 5?

CoralHare · 26/01/2025 17:03

This seems totally normal to me and well within an average 8yr olds ability.

BotterMon · 26/01/2025 17:04

Your DH is ridiculous. Kids far younger than yours have been sent down the shops for years and years. I remember at the age of 10 taking my younger sisters with me to get milk and that was in a capital city. (Drop your pearls ladies)

dizzydizzydizzy · 26/01/2025 17:05

My DCs loved going to the local shop for DM at that age (there wasn't one near us).

amaworried · 26/01/2025 17:06

Stormwhatnow · 26/01/2025 16:26

Just read your update. Your DH is jealous of a dog! I mean wtf! You seem to have yourself a 3rd child.
Agree with pp. Ditch 3rd child, get a dog.

This 👆He really sounds pathetic!

eightIsNewNine · 26/01/2025 17:14

I don't want to have a dog in my home and I wouldn't be happy if my partner arranged for us to host one - it is violating the "not having a dog at my home" part.

So, maybe he isn't unreasonable about the child at shop, but you are being very unreasonable to bring the dog at the first place.

xyz111 · 26/01/2025 17:52

My DS6 goes into the shop on his own with me outside usually guarding the bikes!!!! What on earth does he think will happen in there? He needs to get a grip. But sounds like you have a DH problem overall anyway.

Crazycatlady79 · 26/01/2025 17:56

Your 'D'H is being bloody ridiculous. For milk and bread and you watching from outside? My twins were doing similar before they were 6. 😅 What world does your husband live in?!

SoNiceToComeHomeTo · 26/01/2025 17:57

Why would you not send an 8 year old into a shop while you wait outside?
Maybe not into John Lewis in Oxford Street because it's huge and confusing, but a small familiar shop should be easy for a child of that age.

TomatoSandwiches · 26/01/2025 17:57

So he is just making up shit to suit his own agenda.... how mature and attractive.

If you get divorced you can get as many dogs as you want op.

Just saying.

PeloMom · 26/01/2025 17:58

Doggymummar · 26/01/2025 14:59

I was around 5 when I used to get sent to the corner shop with a note for nans fags. But the 70s were different.

Same here 🤣 I used to be sent regularly to the shops on my own once I was 6-7.

kiana2015 · 26/01/2025 17:58

I was being sent to walk to the shop at that age, also take away etc

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