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Parenting

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Original poster

Older child babysitting

14 replies

21jlb · 17/02/2020 21:53

Hi.
Would you leave a 13 year old to look after an 8 and 6 year old while popping out for 40mins?
In a few weeks my husband is going to have trouble getting home from work as I’ll need the car, and my parents will be on holiday so aren’t available to babysit.
It’ll be for just 2 nights to go and pick my husband up around 11pm then straight back.
It’s a quick drive but nightmare journey on public transport at that time of night.
The younger two will be in bed.
I’m unsure, but just wanted others opinions?
Thanks.

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IceCreamAndCandyfloss · 17/02/2020 22:00

No, I’d let him take the car and manage without for two days.

allthingsred · 17/02/2020 22:01

Think if it was earlier in evening then possibly depending on maturity level of 13 up & behaviour of younger 2. But at 11 pm? It's just to late (imo) to leave a 6 yo with no adult in the house.

Original poster

21jlb · 17/02/2020 22:04

No I did think that.
Just needed the car to pick up the kids from the childminders after work, it’s an hour there on public transport then about another 45mins on the bus journey home from there. In the car it’s about 20mins both ways.
Thanks

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inicecoldblood · 17/02/2020 22:07

Why can't he get a taxi?

Original poster

21jlb · 17/02/2020 22:09

That is an option too. Was just getting others opinions on the age of a 13yo. He is responsible enough but I wouldn’t feel totally comfortable.

OP posts:

LowcaAndroidow · 17/02/2020 22:12

I would be happy to do that I think.

IceCreamAndCandyfloss · 17/02/2020 22:16

Wouldn’t the 13 year old need to be in bed for school? Why is the taxi not the first consideration over leaving a six year old with no adult?

I disagree with siblings being the default sitter, they don’t get any say in siblings and shouldn’t be responsible for them.

Maddogcow · 17/02/2020 22:19

I think you need to feel comfortable and iso much depends on the individual circumstances. I leave my DC alone for up to 3 hours in the day but we have a dog and very close neighbours who are home and my youngest is 9.

If you don’t feel comfortable don’t do it.

NotGenerationAlpha · 17/02/2020 22:22

Yes I would. They would all be in bed normally won’t they? You just need to let the 13 year old know that you will be away to pick their father up. Make sure he knows what to do in an emergency. I have a 8 and 5 year old and they never wake up at 11 anyway so they won’t know I’m gone.

NotGenerationAlpha · 17/02/2020 22:23

Obviously it depends on their relationship, how mature is the 13 year old and how well the younger two sleeps.

scrivette · 17/02/2020 22:25

I think it depends on the 13 year old, if they are grown up enough and if they knew what to do in an emergency etc and if you are friendly with your neighbours.

At 14/15 I used to look after 3 children under 7 for a day or an evening but I was quite grown up.

pumpkinpie01 · 17/02/2020 22:27

A mature 13 year old yes and surely the other 2 will be fast asleep anyway.

RedSoloCup · 17/02/2020 22:36

I think that's fine could you have a neighbour on standby just in case?

Kezmum14 · 17/02/2020 22:53

We started leaving my son when he was 13 to babysit for short stints while the other children were in bed. I think if they are happy to do it then it’s absolutely fine.

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