I want to leave my three kids alone overnight. The eldest is 15 so it's okay

"I know the law says no one under the age of 16 should be left alone overnight, but I'm only a 10 min walk away and still in same suburb," the mum asserts, basically guaranteeing an online uproar.

Most mums will agree that sometimes (and regularly) you've just gotta put yourself first.

But one British mum this week has been slammed online for taking the idea 'too far' when she asked if it was acceptable to leave her three kids alone... all night.

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"What are my options?"

The mum, hoping for advice, explained:

"I have three children 15, 14 and eight. I want to know what are your options are on leaving them alone at night.

"I know the law is no one under the age of 16 should be left alone overnight but I'm only 10 min walk away still in same [suburb].

"They have my number and others in case of an emergency. Or they can't get hold of me."

The mum added that her kids knew not to answer the door, and what to do if there was an emergency.

As to be expected, the responses from parents to the post were damning, with many admonishing the mum for even asking the question.

Image: iStock

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"What if they sleep through?"

Many said she already knew she shouldn't leave the kids at home alone all night. Others claimed it would fill them with anxiety doing the same.

One person wrote: "Honestly no and the fact you have asked i think you feel it's not right. Yes they can call you in an emergency but what if they sleep through it eg a fire? I could not live with the guilt or worry of what ifs.

"Your eldest shouldn't have to be responsible for your younger ones either. If it was in day for an hour then i think would be ok but overnight I wouldn't want the risk tbh."

Another said: "Just the thought of that gives me anxiety... anything can happen, I personally wouldn't risk it."

This mum added, "Definitely not. There are an infinite number of reasons why you shouldn't do this. One that comes to mind is a situation where one of them trips, hits their head, and is knocked unconscious. They might stop breathing."

Finally, there was this balanced view: "I'm sorry, I don't mean to sound hard on you, but my opinion is that it is not responsible of you to leave your 15-year-old in charge of the others, which is what you are ultimately doing. You are unintentionally putting them at risk & you are also forcing an adult responsibility upon all of them to look after themselves while you are gone. I'm sorry but no, it is not acceptable."

Originally published as I want to leave my three kids alone overnight. The eldest is 15 so it's okay