What type of childcare for leaving teens home alone for a long weekend?

[Anonymous]

I have a 13 (almost 14)yo and 15.5yo DS. Older son is very responsible. They are past requiring a babysitter.

Dh and I want to go away for 4 days.

Would having an old nanny come daily but not spend the night be sufficient? She could cook and drive them as needed.

Or would you need someone to spend the night?

VA guidelines say 16 for overnight but it is a guideline, not law.

[Anonymous]

Family member or close adult friend.

[Anonymous]

I would have someone spend the night personally but not need to be around all day.
I actually did this years ago for an old nanny family. The mom was based in Austria and Dad went for a month but 15yo didn’t want to go (sports practice)
I got there at dinner time ish and sort of hung out, drove him somewhere if need be, and left around 7 to go to my regular job.
Worked out really well.

[Anonymous]

My ds’s good friend is a single mom and he stays with us when she travels for work. Is there someone they could stay with?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn’t leave them overnight at all. Someone responsible needs to stay at the house. You need to wait a few more years. You and DH can handle it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn’t leave them overnight at all. Someone responsible needs to stay at the house. You need to wait a few more years. You and DH can handle it.

+1
Would ask old nanny to spend night.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a 13 (almost 14)yo and 15.5yo DS. Older son is very responsible. They are past requiring a babysitter.

Dh and I want to go away for 4 days.

Would having an old nanny come daily but not spend the night be sufficient? She could cook and drive them as needed.

Or would you need someone to spend the night?

VA guidelines say 16 for overnight but it is a guideline, not law.

That seems backwards. They need the supervision/help overnight more than during the day.

[Anonymous]

Agreed that you have it backwards. At that age they're probably fine for the day, but I'd want someone there around dinner time and spending the night.

[Anonymous]

Agree you’re doing it backwards. Nanny spends the night and the kids handle themselves during the day. I have a 15 year old and that’s what we do. The person comes late in the evening and leaves in the morning. DS doesn’t really need anyone to watch him just an adult in the house at night.

[Anonymous]

Is there a family that would be willing to do a sleep over? I would only ask someone you know well for 4 nights but that would be the best option imo. I would offer to sponsor a dinner out and maybe a fun activity for the hosts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn’t leave them overnight at all. Someone responsible needs to stay at the house. You need to wait a few more years. You and DH can handle it.

Are you kidding me. Kid is almost 16 years old. There is something very, very wrong if a 16 year old cannot handle himself and watch his brother overnight. He will be in college soon!

[Anonymous]

In 2 years?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn’t leave them overnight at all. Someone responsible needs to stay at the house. You need to wait a few more years. You and DH can handle it.

Are you kidding me. Kid is almost 16 years old. There is something very, very wrong if a 16 year old cannot handle himself and watch his brother overnight. He will be in college soon!

Sure, he can watch himself and his brother throw an awesome party and get wrecked. Because that's what HS kids do when parents go out of town!

[Anonymous]

We left our 15.5 yo DD overnight this past summer. She's very responsible and did a great job, including caring for our dog. I left her a list of what she had to do and when. She also had the number of family friends who live nearby that she could trust to call in an emergency. She didn't have anyone over and didn't throw a party.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn’t leave them overnight at all. Someone responsible needs to stay at the house. You need to wait a few more years. You and DH can handle it.

+1
Would ask old nanny to spend night.

Agree