To leave DC home alone at midnight?

[djdran]

Bit of a WWYD really. DH thinks I’m being OTT, but I’m not sure.

We have two DC (12 and 9). We’ve been invited to a party next weekend, nothing wild, just drinks and a catch-up with friends we haven’t seen in ages. It’s at a house about ten minutes away, and we’d be back by 1am at the latest. DC would be asleep, and we’d obviously make sure they know how to contact us if needed. We have lovely neighbours who’d be in if anything went wrong.

DH says it’s fine, that DSS (12) is responsible, and they’ll just sleep through it anyway. But 9 still seems quite young to be left that late, even if we’re nearby.

Would you do it? Am I being a bit PFB about it, or is DH being too relaxed?

(For context, they’re fine being left for an hour or two in the day, but we’ve never left them this late before.)

TIA!

I wouldn't.

Absolutely not

Not a bloody chance

No, either get a babysitter or don't go.

Nope.

Not a cat in hells chance I wiuld leave them without an adult in the house! You're not bring pfb at all. It would be neglectful to leave them.

Too young for both I think. Can you get a sitter or have them stay with friends/family?

Bear in mind children do not wake to the high pitched sound of smoke alarms (research shows this)

No, tag team it between you if you are that close by, or get a babysitter.

Too young. 16 and 13, yes. Not a 9 year old.

Bloody hell

Nope.

No way would I leave a 12yo and a 9yo at that time of night. It would be completely irresponsible. I wouldn't even leave the 12yo alone in the middle of the night, never mind the 9yo.

Just get a baby sitter and save having a bad night worrying

Nope. And I'm generally relaxed about most stuff

Not at all, sorry

12yo yes, if they were happy with idea.
9yo... no.

Do you mean 10mins walking though, since you mention drinks?

Absolutely not. Wouldn't be considering this until at least mid teens

No way. Awful thing to leave for the evening asleep until 1am. Pretty irresponsible thing to do really.

My children are exactly these ages. Personally, I feel my 12 year old can only be responsible for herself. She stays alone maximum 2-3 hours in the daytime. I would not leave my 9 year old for all the tea in China, day or night. Your 12 year old shouldn’t be responsible for a minor at anytime.

No definitely not, and i’m fairly relaxed but I didn’t leave mine alone at night until at least 14.

No way. I'm not sure I'd leave the 12 year old on their own let alone leaving them in charge of a 9 year old. Get a sitter or see if they can sleep at a friend's house

Nope, your dh is being waaaaay too relaxed.

Nope. 12 is not old enough to be alone asleep in the house. In this situation with a 9yr old to have to deal with during an emergency too? Please don’t do it.

12 and 15 I’d say not a bother.
Or 9 and 12 if you were next door/a few houses down.
But I wouldn’t have left mine at those ages.

No way would I have done that