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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to leave DS in his tent....?

44 replies

LightShinesInTheDarkness · 13/06/2009 23:30

DS is 8. He has pitched his little tent on our garden and fallen asleep, snug in his sleeping bag. He wants to stay out there all night.

Tent is pitched under the security light which will come on if he steps outside the tent. Garden gate is locked. We live in a large-ish village, residential street, garden is secluded but not isolated.

Will be be OK out there?

OP posts:
FluffyBunnyGoneBad · 13/06/2009 23:34

This is tough. Part of me would say leave him, the other part would say don't risk it. I'd bring him in.

Kbear · 13/06/2009 23:34

Head says yes he'll be fine, heart says nooooo bring him in and wrap him up in cotton wool!

southeastastra · 13/06/2009 23:34

aw where are you? it's raining like mad here (south herts)

nickschick · 13/06/2009 23:37

NOOOOOOOOOO bring him in or sleep out there with him....its a bit risky and you wont be able to sleep for worrying

Bonneville · 13/06/2009 23:41

I would sleep out with him. (I seem to recall a child going missing from a tent at their grandparents garden some time ago). Anyone else remember?

Original poster
LightShinesInTheDarkness · 13/06/2009 23:43

southeast - no rain here.

Balance of opinion seems to be to bring him in.

What do you really think could happen? I was not worried about him being stolen.

OP posts:
paisleyleaf · 13/06/2009 23:44

Bonneville, I remember - it's one of those cases that haunts me, I just can't get that one out of my head.
It was just so shockingly horrible.

Best get your sleeping bag then Lightshines.

ItsAllaBitNoisy · 13/06/2009 23:48

Drag your duvet out and snuggle up, I think. You'll get a lovely smile in the morning for it!

BottySpottom · 13/06/2009 23:49

What if he woke and was frightened - how would you hear him? or if he was ill? badgers or foxes got into garden and scared him? No way for me I'm afraid. Go and join him

Original poster
LightShinesInTheDarkness · 13/06/2009 23:53

(rummages around for spare sleeping bag)

I'm a goin', I'm a goin'....!!

OP posts:
KatyMac · 13/06/2009 23:54

Compromise

Sleep downstairs near where he would come in to the house if upset

Let him have his adventure

Chandra · 13/06/2009 23:59

no, sleep on the tent with him, if anything leave the tent before he wakes up but don't leave him there alone (would only do that if I was 100% clear that there is absolutely no way for someone to come into the garden)

Chandra · 14/06/2009 00:00

in the tent

Bonneville · 14/06/2009 00:03

Yes Light - get thee in that tent now! Some things just HAVE to be done!

Original poster
LightShinesInTheDarkness · 14/06/2009 00:03

Katy M - that is a good option, actually. I could sleep in the conservatory. Would not cramp his style so much as getting in with him (it is a very small tent!!)

tbh, I was secretly hoping I was everyone would reassure me he will be fine!!

OP posts:
southeastastra · 14/06/2009 00:04

blimey i wouldn't get in with him

if he's ok leave him, maybe he'll join the foreign legion when he's older

LaurieFairyCake · 14/06/2009 00:04

he will be fine - do you know how cool that is

very famous five-ish

Original poster
LightShinesInTheDarkness · 14/06/2009 00:16

Popped out to check him. Absolutely sound asleep (he does not usually wake at night).

Need to decide!

OP posts:
cthea · 14/06/2009 00:16

DS (9) did this a few weeks ago. He came in about 3 a.m. for a wee and because he was "a little bit cold".

KatyMac · 14/06/2009 00:19

Conservatory

He will be fine

You will be reassured

The window will be open - you would hear anything

rehtom · 14/06/2009 00:19

Not sure I could leave an 8 yr old out there on their own. Then again, go for it! Easy to say when it's not my son.

seeker · 14/06/2009 00:22

Go to bed. He's fine. But leave the door unlocked so that he can get in if he wants to. Don't spoil his adventure.

LilTulip · 14/06/2009 00:23

I Would leave him be, He will be fine. Make sure you leave a light on in the house in case he needs the loo

seeker · 14/06/2009 00:23

Have you got a battery lantern or a torch that you can leave turned on in the tent next to him in case he does wake up, and a note saying to come in if he wants to?

rehtom · 14/06/2009 00:23

Leave a trail of his favourite treat from tent door to your bed!

Bet you don't sleep a wink!

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