How old must my children be to leave them for a night?

[LakeDistrict]

I have a very sensible mature daughter of 16 (17 in September) who is happy to babysit and already does in the evenings and a quiet boy of 9 yrs. Sometime when we feel we can, my husband and I would like to go away for a night as a treat. What is your opinion on how old the children must be? Obviously we can wait until our daughter is 18 if necessary- we have waited 16 yrs already!

What do people think?

sorry - I have no idea how I posted this twice. What an idiot! Hopefully some moderator will delete one as I have no idea how.

Would think it is fine. You know your children and if eldest is sensible and has phone numbers if needed, then they will be ok.
I expect they would enjoy it as much as you!

I would think 16 would be ok, after all they can leave home and get married at that age if they want!

I think 16 is fine for a night or two if she is happy about the idea

I only have the one DC who is 16 in a few months. OK she is 15. I have recently had a couple of nights sleeping over at a friends . I'm still fairly local and she is mature but the guidelines are 16 for overnight.

I think your DD is old enough to be left with a 9 year old but only you know your your teen.

Sorry I missed the bit about you having a son as well - In that case I dont know!

i would if both dc are ok about it and you werent going too far.