

to think it is not safe to leave a 5 year old in the house by themselves whilst you are in the garden?

(43 Posts)
spookyskeleton Cote D'Ivoire Wed 19-Feb-14 17:30:21

I am prepared to be told IABU but I am having a 'disagreement' with DH and would appreciate the MN view wink

DH has been looking after the DC this week and periodically has been going into the front garden with DS1 to play football and leaving DS2 in the house by himself to watch telly (DS2 does not like football!) He has been closing the door to keep the heat in the house. He says he has been checking on him regularly (which I don't doubt he has) and DS2 can open the door and go out if he wants them but I still have an uneasy feeling about it.

DH's argument is that it is only like being upstairs (for example, we have been known to stay in bed and have a snooze in the mornings whilst the DC are downstairs) when he is downstairs but my argument is that if he falls over/hurts himself etc you could hear him cry/scream whereas you can't if you are outside.


tripecity Wed 19-Feb-14 17:31:33


Joules68 Wed 19-Feb-14 17:32:10


cheminotte Wed 19-Feb-14 17:32:17

Sorry. I think yabu. Not talking about a 2 year old here.

HyvaPaiva Wed 19-Feb-14 17:32:47

Sorry OP, YABU!

tiredoftrains Wed 19-Feb-14 17:33:08

Hmm...guess it depends on the size of your garden - we have a little one so can still hear from the end of it. I often leave my 3 yo eating his breakfast while I pop out to feed the chickens, but wouldn't go out for extended periods.

Yabu, it is the same as being in another room, as long as your DS can get out its fine.

ProfPlumSpeaking Wed 19-Feb-14 17:33:20

I suspect YAB a little U. Of course, as ever, it depends on the child and on the set up, but most 5 year olds are fine watching tv whilst a parent is in the garden. OTOH if it is a 5 yo who loves playing with matches, or jumping down the whole flight of stairs when left unsupervised then perhaps not....

trampstamp Wed 19-Feb-14 17:34:10

Yes I think yabu but dose depend on your garden and how safe your garden is my mates garden has a very low level fence were any one walking past could just grab her daughter but if it's secure then I think yabu

CailinDana Wed 19-Feb-14 17:34:12


trampstamp Wed 19-Feb-14 17:35:14

Ahh wrong end of the stickblush sorry thought child was in the garden and ds was in doors

Gileswithachainsaw Wed 19-Feb-14 17:35:54

Yabu. Think about it. Depending on size of your house you could be nearer your dc in the garden than in the house.

VelvetGecko Wed 19-Feb-14 17:36:52

YABU. I'm a LP of a 5 yr old, should I never go for a shower/bath? It's no different.

bryonywhisker Wed 19-Feb-14 17:37:26


StarGazeyPond Wed 19-Feb-14 17:38:05

YAB really U.

SoonToBeSix Wed 19-Feb-14 17:38:14

Is this a joke or reverse ? Of course it's safe

Crocky Wed 19-Feb-14 17:38:29


ColaConkie Wed 19-Feb-14 17:38:49


addictedtosugar Wed 19-Feb-14 17:39:57

Well, I'll leave my 4 year old inside, and go and play outside with the 2 yr old.
I've even been known to leave the pair of them watching TV and have a shower upstairs or hang the washing outside.
I do have the advantage of having the lounge at the back of the house, so when in the garden, I can see in iyswim.
Very glad I'm not the only one.

littlewhitebag Wed 19-Feb-14 17:40:52

Of course it's fine. I think you are being a tad neurotic.

Ra88 Wed 19-Feb-14 17:41:02


squeakytoy Wed 19-Feb-14 17:41:48

he is 5 not 2... perfectly old enough to be left on his own in a room to watch tv

Gileswithachainsaw Wed 19-Feb-14 17:42:11

So do you never put the bins out?

spookyskeleton Cote D'Ivoire Wed 19-Feb-14 17:45:31

Ok so IABU grin I promise it is not a reverse AIBU.

Of course you don't have to be in the room with them at all times and, yes I have a shower when he is downstairs but that is 10 minutes max.

Funny as I am not generally a protective mum and am quite laidback about stuff so not sure why this has raised my hackles so much confused

morethanpotatoprints Wed 19-Feb-14 17:45:56

YABU but I'm so glad you top me for being over protective.
I'm always accused of this and think well at least I care enough to be over protective.
You do need to stop it though OP, it will drive you mad.
Please have some cake and a brew

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