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Parenting

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Original poster

Allowing 15yr old to house sit for 2 nights?

21 replies

YouPrettyThings · 13/07/2021 12:41

GP has asked sensible 15yr old DD to house sit for 3 days/2 night over the summer. She's extremely responsible and sensible and if she were 16 I'd be inclined to say yes but she's 15 and while the law does not say an age when you can leave a child on their own - the NSPCC says children under 16 should not be left alone overnight.

I'm thinking she shouldn't - GP lives 30 minute drive away so it's not like we can just pop in a few times a day to check on her but we can call/facetime. DH and GP think I'm being overly cautious.

What does MN think?

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YanTanTethera123 · 13/07/2021 12:45

I definitely wouldn’t want my 15 year old alone in a house. Far too risky re safety especially if it’s likely people will know the GPS are away.
I would still be hesitant at 17!

Maggiesfarm · 13/07/2021 12:45

I think not. Wait until she is sixteen. She may well be very responsible but she could feel nervous alone in the house - even when older.

Does the house need to be looked after for such a short while? I can't say I've ever left my house in the care of someone else whilst away, even for two weeks. I know if neighbours saw someone dodgy attempting to burgle they would call the police, on the other hand they might see nothing. Burglars are quick and stealthy.

I agree that fifteen is too young.

Hoppinggreen · 13/07/2021 12:46

I wouldn’t

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mindutopia · 13/07/2021 12:47

I personally would be inclined to say yes, depending on the 15 year old. I was staying alone overnight from 11 (not saying that my mum was a particularly responsible parent in that decision - she was a single mum who was trying to keep a job and had no one she trusted she could turn to - but I managed just fine). By 15, I was travelling independently and staying in hotels for several days at a time on my own. As a 15 year old, I felt comfortable with that, but depends on your own circumstances and the sort of 15 year old you have. Could she take a friend to stay with her?

Chelyanne · 13/07/2021 13:33

Nope... not a chance

18 minimum for house sitting imo

wedswench · 13/07/2021 13:59

My dd 15 and her friends regularly have overnights with each other when parents are away. She'll probably invite a friend to stay with her and have a lovely time.

ZooKeeper19 · 13/07/2021 14:49

Absolutely yes. This country is bonkers about what kids can and cannot do, I don't get it.

I was left alone way younger (and caring for even younger sibling). As a parent you know the best how your DD will cope, is she keen to do it?

I'd let her if she wants to. It's not like you are sending her on a mission to the Moon...

EileenGC · 13/07/2021 14:51

I would be fine with it, is she comfortable with that particular house? I was fine house-sitting my own home, because I knew where everything was, even in the dark, but I wouldn't have been so comfortable doing it at my grandma's, as I didn't spend much time there.

Could she invite a friend to stay with her?

GreenClock · 13/07/2021 14:55

I have a sensible 15yo too. It would depend on the reason. If they were concerned about break-ins: no. If they were concerned about pets and plants: yes.

Roselilly36 · 13/07/2021 14:55

No way, crazy. Far to much responsibility on a child’s shoulders.

starfishmummy · 13/07/2021 14:56

Just her then no. With a friend maybe if they are the quiet responsible type but some 15yos, no way!!

GreyhoundG1rl · 13/07/2021 14:58

I wouldn't dream of allowing it. Is she to be used as a burglar alert? .

Kanaloa · 13/07/2021 15:00

I think it’s absolutely fine, as long as she herself is happy with it of course! She is 15 years old and it’s a good time for her to try taking some responsibility if she’s comfortable with it.

halcyondays · 13/07/2021 15:02

I wouldn’t.

girlmom21 · 13/07/2021 15:04

I'd let her. Does she have a friend who can stay?

expectinglittlebear · 13/07/2021 15:49

I would say yes, providing she is responsible, knows all the necessary emergency numbers, and has initiative to check locks etc at nighttime and not leave doors unlocked / ovens on etc, and has someone with her the whole time, in case of emergencies - invite a friend with her?

Original poster

YouPrettyThings · 13/07/2021 20:21

Thanks everyone for your replies. I had considered having one of her friends stay with her but to be honest their parents are more protective than me.

I think back on what I was allowed to do when I was 15 and I was allowed to get the train to London on my own for a day but don't think I stayed on my own overnight until I was 17. But that was a long long time ago and things are different now.

I don't think it helps that I'm addicted to True Crime stories so assume the worst is going to happen to my children! 🤣

OP posts:

wedswench · 13/07/2021 21:25

@YouPrettyThings

Thanks everyone for your replies. I had considered having one of her friends stay with her but to be honest their parents are more protective than me.

I don't think it helps that I'm addicted to True Crime stories so assume the worst is going to happen to my children! 🤣

It was different back then. I moved out at 16 and at 15 was similarly getting the train to london for weekends away etc.

blendedlearning · 13/07/2021 22:46

I am from a country where we actively stimulate our children to be independent and resilient from an early age. So perhaps I am being culturally biased in all this, but if your daughter is willing to give it a try, I would let her do it, but with some guidance. Make sure she knows the alarm numbers, where the fire extinguisher is, to lock all the doors and bigger windows when she is at home and goes out, and that you can be reached at all times (and she shouldn't hesitate to call, even if she has messed up).

Since it is the first time she is doing this, I would ask GPs to give her (and you) contact details of a trusted neighbour/friend who she could contact locally in case something were to happen (if she lost the house key, for example, or had an issue with the house), or if you were not to hear from her on agreed times of contact.

I gather she will enjoy 'being a grown-up' for a bit, and that she comes back with heaps of confidence.

xyzandabc · 13/07/2021 22:53

Why does the house need someone in it for 2 nights? Are there pets to be looked after? If not, it seems a bit weird asking a 15 yr old to come and stay on their own in your house for no reason.

If 15 yr old is up for it and wants to do it I wouldn't have a problem with it but would make it clear that they could call me any time day or night and I would come and pick them up. Just seems a bit strange to need someone in your house, most people go away for weekends and just leave their house empty.

Clymene · 13/07/2021 23:03

Well what does she want to do?

It's quite a long time on her win away from friends etc. Are there pets/plants to look after?

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