Summer Advice

[bliz1712]

Since it's Summer, V is home during the day. Obviously she gets bored by herself and during lunch she'll walk up to DC (MIL) and eat lunch and then walk home. Lately she's been begging to take Hanna home with her. She's almost 13, so I know she's fully capable of babysitting the kids, and we've had her watch them when we've had things going on. However, with it being Summer I'm sure she's going to want to take her to the park or other outdoor activities.  I also think she'll want to rotate and take Hanna one day and then Eliza the next, but not the 2 together.

 We live directly across the street from the school and 3 playgrounds, however they are not on our side. So if they were to walk to the park it would be 2-3 blocks away from our house. She has a phone, so I think I would just require that she take it with, check in a few times and push them in the stroller, even though Hanna is capable of walking. So she would be with Hanna from about 1-130 until about 5.

Would you consider this? Would you require that they stay indoors?  Would you let her do it with Eliza (2) too or just Hanna?  Anything else you want to add.

[britbratjf]

I would probably allow her to take them (roate). I think you know whether she's responsible enough or not. I would definitely require the stroller and phone.

[bantyrooster]

I would let her take them. I wouldn't let her take Eliza to the park but I would Hanna. I am way over protective though.

[starfishy]

I started babysitting at 12 so at 13 I was taking kids to the park a few blocks away from our house.
And if this was my niece who asked (and I trust her like you trust V) then yes I'd let her do it. Only one kid at a time and definitely take the phone. Have her check in a certain times.
Do you have a Red Cross near you? They have a babysitting course kids can take. Maybe have her take that just for the peace of mind.

[summergirl1211]

Jun 9, 2016 20:51:35 GMT -5 starfishy said:

I started babysitting at 12 so at 13 I was taking kids to the park a few blocks away from our house.
And if this was my niece who asked (and I trust her like you trust V) then yes I'd let her do it. Only one kid at a time and definitely take the phone. Have her check in a certain times.
Do you have a Red Cross near you? They have a babysitting course kids can take. Maybe have her take that just for the peace of mind.

Yes, all of this! Or sometimes local hospitals offer this kind of class too. I remember I took it back in the day and it taught us basic first aid and stuff like that. I'd just trust your gut. I wouldn't do both kids (at least not to start) and have a phone on her at all times. Good luck!

[xanthepants]

One kid at a time to start. Yes to a basic first aid class and take a phone with check ins. She is a smart kid and totally capable. I think it's a great age to learn responsibility. Also you live in a small enough area that you could let a few neighbors know what you are doing and ask that they keep any eye out.

[cbear]

I started babysitting around then, maybe even younger. Our town had a babysitter class that you could get certified in CPR and learned a lot of great things! Maybe you could have her do that and then let her?

[bliz1712]

starfishy, She actually took a babysitting class last spring. We just don't have any friend's that need babysitters so besides her sisters she hasn't babysat.

[mommymadness]

Yep I would allow it! My cousin, who is 12 babysits for us occasionally. She is great with Benjamin and I would let them go to the park. Abby is another story! Haha

[vanessalc]

I think v and Hannah are the same age gap as my sister and I. I was babysitting her for the summer at this age. I think maybe just do one on one rotating. I think traveling by stroller is a good idea (at least at first). As long as she's comfortable and agrees with the plan, it sounds like a good one.

[somethingcleverer]

I would let V watch them one at a time too. I think walking to a park is something V can do. It's great that she wants to take her sisters out.