Leaving children alone overnight.

willownuts

Hi all,

Id really just like some advice.

I have to go into hospital over night and my husband has tried to get the night off to stay at home with the kids. But his boss has refused on the grounds that its too short notice (the hosp has just rung me to go in tomorrow)as per the guidelines in the company handbook and all that.

Grandparents live for away, one set in Ireland, one set in Dorset. Ive asked all the usual people, friends etc and drawn a blank. My closest and oldest friend would have had them like a shot. But lost her 7 year old nephew very suddenly on Sat morning and I just couldnt ask. Her family are in bits.

The kids are 17 (well almost 18 and hes just waiting for his date to go into the Royal Marines, so obviously hes reliable.) 16 year old, who again is almost 17 and at college and a 13 year old.

My husband would take me to hospital tomorrow morning and then he leaves for work at 6.30pm for a 12 hr nightshift, so he will be home to cook tea etc before he leaves and will be home around 9am the next morning.

Ive looked online at the legal ages you can leave children and not found anything.

Anyone any advice?

Thanks.

tattycath

Personally, I would leave them if they are 17, 16 and 13. Obviously I wouldn't leave a 13 year old all night on their own, but if the 17 and/or 16 year old will be there I don't see the problem.

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow

Yours husbands employers have to give him time off to care for dependants, its a legal requirement.

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow

Having said that, you know your own children best. If you are comfortable leaving them and so are they then I think they'll be fine.

lisawood78

As long as they were sensible kids, I would leave them in the situation you describe, obviously leave them with instructions and emergency contacts but sounds acceptable to me.

elsien

Well as two of them are legally old enough to get married, unless there's huge amounts of sibling friction they should be able to manage between them.
Is there a neighbour who'd be happy to pop round if there's anything they weren't sure about?

alwaysskint96

Two of them are older than I was when i left home so really cant see the problem.

System

I wouldn't leave a 13 year old on his own but I wouldn't hesitate in leaving him with 16 and 17 year old siblings. In fact ive done it myself.

Don't worry, they will be fine. As long as the kids have a phone (for peace of mind more than anything) and so does hubby in case of an emergency I really cant see a problem.

BitterAndTwisted

If the 17 and 16 year olds can be relied on to keep the 13 year old company and not skidaddle off somewhere leaving them on their own, I'd say not to worry.

My Mum was taken into hospital at short notice when I was about 13 and I had my 7 year old sister to be responsible for. Nothing bad happened although the house was very untidy, and probably not very clean either but that was it.

willownuts

Thanks,

I do know that they are very capable. Infact, on New Years Eve we were out until 4am. Came home, house all quiet. Dog been walked and dishwasher loaded and re-filled and floor hoovered.

Thanks for your advice. Just need to get if off my chest.

X

London50

With those ages {and taking on board that your oldest is going into a "cause"} I would have no hesitation in saying that for one night they could not be left alone. The chances are that they are all going to be far more on edge as how there mum is getting on rather than a "lets party attitude" Just go for it and do not worry, I think you will have enough to think about over night and worrying as to "have I done the right thing??" will not help. Good luck

London50