Roommates Leaving 2-Year-Old Home Alone While Out to Eat: AITA Drama Unfolds

Are you the jerk for getting upset about your roommates leaving their 2-year-old alone at home? Living with your boyfriend and a couple with a young child, you find yourself in a dilemma.

The couple frequently leaves their sleeping child unattended while they go out to eat after bedtime. They defend their actions by claiming to watch him on a baby monitor, but you're concerned about the risks and emotional impact.

Your boyfriend's friend even called you one night to check on the child, who was wrapped in a blanket while his parents were out buying a Nintendo Switch after consuming edibles. The situation raises questions about neglect, responsibility, and legal implications.

Commenters express outrage at the parents' behavior and urge you to take action. Some recommend reporting the couple to Child Protective Services (CPS) and considering your own safety and legal liability if something were to happen to the child while you are present.

The discussion highlights the ethical and legal complexities of the issue, with strong opinions about the parents' actions and your role in the situation.

Original Post

So I live with my boyfriend and our two roommates, one of whom is his best friend from childhood and his wife.

I’ve lived with the couple since January 2025. They have a two-year-old son who is super cute and sweet.

Any time they want to go out to eat for dinner, they wait until his bedtime (7 PM) to leave. The kicker is that they leave him by himself in the house while he’s asleep to go out and eat.

Sometimes they will be gone for almost two hours. They try to justify it by saying that they are watching him on the baby cam while they are out.

I don’t know if I should say anything since it’s not my child, and I don’t want to start drama in the house. Anytime I bring up a grievance to my boyfriend, he gets upset that I put him in the middle.

I’ve told him how it makes me feel when they do something like that, and his response is, “He’s not being neglected.” As a child, my parents weren’t there for me and left me at home more times than I can count, so it really upsets me that they can do it so casually without a second thought.

They left him last night; thankfully, I was upstairs asleep, but my boyfriend’s friend called me at 11:30 PM asking me to check on him since he was wrapped up in his blanket. I found out in the morning that they had taken edibles and gone to wait in line to buy the new Nintendo Switch.

So, am I the asshole for getting so upset over this or for not saying anything to the mom and dad? I just feel like I can’t express how I feel without putting myself in a situation where I can’t get out.

My boyfriend taking his best friend’s side or them getting angry and me getting kicked out of their house.

Child Safety and Parental Responsibility

Leaving a young child home alone raises significant concerns about safety and emotional well-being.

Dr. David Elkind, a child development expert, emphasizes that children thrive on security and routine, and being left alone can create feelings of anxiety and abandonment.

Research indicates that children who experience instability may face long-term emotional and behavioral issues.

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According to studies published in the Journal of Child Psychology, children left unsupervised are at a higher risk for accidents and emotional distress.

These findings underscore the importance of ensuring a safe environment for children and the responsibilities that come with parenting.

Parents must consider their child's developmental stage and needs when making decisions about supervision.

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Navigating Conflicts with Roommates

When conflicts arise over parenting decisions, open communication is essential for resolution.

Dr. Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication approach emphasizes empathy and understanding, encouraging individuals to express their feelings and needs without blame.

By fostering a dialogue focused on mutual respect, parties can work toward a compromise that considers everyone's concerns.

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Strategies for Addressing Parenting Conflicts

To effectively manage disagreements over parenting, individuals should prioritize understanding each other's perspectives.

Research indicates that collaborative problem-solving can enhance relationships and lead to better outcomes for children.

Seeking the guidance of a mediator or therapist can also provide valuable support in navigating these discussions.

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We'd love to hear your take on this situation. Share your thoughts below.

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Psychological Analysis

This situation underscores the critical importance of child safety and the responsibilities of caregivers.

Recognizing that children's needs must come first can guide discussions and decisions regarding supervision.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, ensuring a child's safety is paramount in parenting decisions, and conflicts can arise when expectations differ.

Understanding the psychological implications of such situations can help individuals navigate these challenges more effectively.

Ultimately, fostering open communication and collaboration is key to resolving parenting conflicts.