Leaving kids for 5 nights ....is it ok?

[Cozmo79]

Just wanted to ask what people thought at the thought of leaving kids by them selfs for 5 nights, I have an 18 year old son a 16 year old daughter and a soon to be 13 year old they are all very mature for their age ( especially the 13 year old ) me and my partner was looking to go away for my birthday involving a 5 night stay to Spain, I know my kids are mature enough to look after them selfs I was just wondering what other people's view on it was ..... They will also have a contact close by in case of an emergency !!!!!

Fine. As long as the 18 year old doesn't mind.

He doesn't mind at all in fact they are all looking forward to having the house to themselves 😁

I probably wouldn't.

I think that they will be OK. I left my 15 and 16 year old for 2 weeks but someone stayed with them some of the time. The rest of the time grandad just popped in or rang every day just to make sure they were OK. I think it did them good and they did washing and kept the place clean which I was surprised at.

Will your 18 year old son take real responsibility for the youngest?

Make sure they are eating well?
Take charge in the event of illness/emergency?
Be on hand every evening to supervise homework?
Ensure pets are fed, watered, exercised?
Be able to enforce household rules if needed?

That's a big ask but not illegal.

If your other children will pitch in and not act up, it should be ok?

Have you asked them?

I wouldn’t personally.

I understand some people wouldn't, they wouldn't have anyone checking in on them (not very close to any of my family) but they will have someone to contact if they need anything plus I will be face timing them on a morning and on a night !!!!

It's 5 days, not 5 months Golden! I'm sure if they lived off junk food they'd survive

18 year old, fine. 15 year old maybe. 12 year old, no way.

I'm only going for 5 days not 5 months !!!

I’d worry about “friends” turning up and expecting a party.

Yes big sandy told them i will leave them money for take away and treats and get them easy meals to make and they are all fine with being left I have asked them all repeatedly and she's 16 not 15

Are you sure they wouldnt have a party?

Geri they are not like that I would trust them fully

I would have no problems leaving an 18 and 16 year old but I wouldn't leave them responsible for the soon to be 13 year old.I went away without mine but the rule was the youngest staying at home had to be 16.

No Zen I know they wouldn't maybe a few friends sleeping over with 16 year old but I am very close to all her friends

Is the 18 year old going to be looking after the 12 year old? I think I’d be happy to leave the two older ones, but 12 is still young. Is the 18 year old responsible? I think my 16 year old would be a bit put out that I was going away without her! Although she is happy to go away without me

She is very mature for her age she will probably be the maturest out of them all and look after the others

She was fine about it jingle lol

Sure. The food thing isn't a big deal.

I couldn't leave my 18 year old to supervise his siblings. He just would take responsibility for them. My 12 year old is very capable but wouldn't like being left on her own.

If you were staying in England that would be one thing.

I’d leave the two eldest, but not in charge of the youngest.

Thanks for everyone's reply I understand people think the 13 year old is too young but honestly all my kids are very good kids and I fully trust all of them to be responsible for each other and them selfs

Left a 15 yr old in our flat once. He bragged to a bunch of 'friends' he was home alone and they trashed the place and stole numerous items including my phone. We reported all of them including 15 yr old to the police.

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