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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

Home alone

12 replies

Molly2008 · 27/01/2023 07:32

Hello just canvassing opinion. Would you leave 14 and 10 year old home alone for a couple of hours whilst you went for dinner locally. Both very responsible no cooking, will probably just sit in room watching devices as always

OP posts:
SmileWithADimple · 27/01/2023 07:33

I would if they were happy about it but not if they were nervous about being left.

CeeceeBloomingdale · 27/01/2023 07:33

Yes if they are comfortable with it

WandaWonder · 27/01/2023 07:37

If they are happy too and wouldn't fight endlessly yes

Flatandhappy · 27/01/2023 07:37

Of course. Kids often start babysitting aged 13 for much younger children so unless yours really don’t get along and you would be worried about arguments they are definitely old enough to be left for a few hours.

PritiPatelsMaker · 27/01/2023 07:48

Yes if they are both comfortable being left.

babytum · 27/01/2023 07:49

My eldest was babysitting other people’s children at 14, so yes I would

toomuchlaundry · 27/01/2023 07:52

Do they get on? Are they sensible and would 10yo listen to older sibling if needed?

rookiemere · 27/01/2023 07:54

Yes we started leaving DS10 alone for short periods at that age so with a 14 yr old in the house, it's absolutely fine.

Original poster
Molly2008 · 27/01/2023 08:21

Thanks everyone. Yes they get on fine and have been left together during the daytime and been absolutely fine. Thanks

OP posts:
YourWinter · 27/01/2023 08:24

Yes, I was babysitting all around the village at 14, all the children I looked after were between 4 and 7.

onemouseplace · 27/01/2023 08:35

Yes, I would. I have 13, 11 and 8 year olds and we have worked up from popping out locally for a quick early evening drink and would happily go out locally for dinner (in fact we plan to try that in the next couple of weeks).

We did get a sitter the other night for a slightly later evening as I'm not quite happy just yet to leave them longer/ have them go to bed/ sleep without anyone here.

familyissues12345 · 27/01/2023 08:38

We started leaving our sons - aged 10 and 15 alone, for short stints. The 15 year old was very sensible but the 10 year old is of a more anxious nature.
We live next door to good friends so we told them when we were going out, and the boys knew they could go round/ring if they were worried.

They are now 14 and 19 and as the older one is away at Uni the 14 year old now stays at home regularly and is quite happy

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