DS is 13 and very sensible/mature for his age. I’m wondering whether it’s fine to meet friends for a couple of hours in the evening approx. 7-9pm at a local wine bar, and leave him at home. We live in a terraced street and he knows our neighbours, who are all lovely.
He’s desperate for DH and I to let him (not for nefarious reasons, I don’t think!) Usually we’d ask a babysitter to come round, but I wonder if he’s just too old for that now? We’d be 10 mins away if he needed us to come home, he has his own phone to ring us.
interested to hear what others do? Appreciate all teens are different…
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Leaving DS13 while we meet friends locally?
Bet01 · 12/03/2024 10:57
BlibBlabBlob · 12/03/2024 11:08
My DD is 13, autistic, hasn't been able to attend school for two years and isn't able to leave the house unaccompanied. She's still 100% safe and happy at home alone because it's her safe space, she's very sensible, knows all the 'rules' about being home alone, always has her phone by her side to contact me or her dad if she has any concerns or issues.
Been leaving her at home for anything between an hour and six hours at a time for several months now. She not only copes well, she LOVES it and the feeling of freedom from having only the cats for company for a bit has actually helped her to grow and develop and mature in a way that has surprised us.
Do you already leave your DS home alone for a few hours during the day? If so then he will 100% be OK in the evening too, and he's telling you he is happy about it so go for it!
If he isn't used to being at home alone at all yet though, I wouldn't recommend starting with evenings. Let him get really confident and experienced in daylight hours first.
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