'Husband wants to leave our 11-year-old at cinema alone - I'm uncomfortable'

31 August 2023 , 10:29

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Would you leave your 11-year-old child at the cinema alone? (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Parenting is no easy ride. Having a child means you have to tirelessly juggle work and your social life with school runs and preparing meals. When your child is young, you want to keep your eyes on them at all times, and when they grow older, you still want to protect them from the dangers of the world.

It can sometimes be hard to know when you're being too "overprotective." In a relationship or marriage, you may find that you disagree with your partner on what they think is best for your child or children. One woman says she felt "uncomfortable" after her husband suggested they leave their 11-year-old at a shopping centre.

The son had made plans to meet with his friend at the location so they could both watch a movie together at the cinema. Since the couple lives 30 minutes away from the shopping centre, the dad said he would return home and pick them up later in the day.

Asking for help via Kidspot's advice column, the mum confessed to her worries and said: "My husband has suggested taking our 11-year-old son and his friend (similar age) to the movie theatre as our son has a gift card. My husband wants to see them into the cinema and then leave the two boys at the shopping centre and return home until it's time to pick them up (we live about 30 mins away). I've told him that I'm not comfortable leaving them at the shopping centre by themselves. Am I being overprotective? What age would you leave a child at a shopping centre/movie theatre by themselves?"

An expert named Jordana responded with a reassuring message, saying she has the same worries as a mum. "As a mum, I totally understand your discomfort and I don't believe that is being overprotective," she explained, before admitting it's a hard scenario as 'tweens' often want independence but are still 'so young'.

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She continued: "Firstly, be honest with the other parent as well, they too might feel the same way and not want the boys to be left alone. There are many scary scenarios you and anyone reading this could conjure up, and while sometimes these nightmares can become a reality, there are ways to avoid it. And for me, going home in between isn't an option, given their age."

Do you agree with this mum? Let us know in the comments below.

Ayaan Ali