Sitter for my 16 year old

[Anonymous]

Where would I find this? Need someone to stay with her while I’m at work (different school schedule) about 5 days a month. She’s not responsible— will leave food cooking til it burns, leave the front door unlocked, etc. If they can tutor, that would also be great.

Care.com? This is not common! And what should I pay? Help.

[Anonymous]

lol

You’re going to get other 16 year olds applying.

[Anonymous]

Serious question;
Is your teen neurotypical or special needs?
Because if neurotypical then this is a super strange ask, even if she is “not responsible.” Sounds like you just need to establish boundaries and rules until she proves herself to be a bit more capable. Like bonding kitchen equipment when we aren’t home. And “text me within ten minutes of your arrival home to let me know you’ve locked the door” or whatever. Just give her some parameters.

[Anonymous]

She’s on the spectrum but high functioning. I could ask her to text or not cook but she’d forget.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:lol

You’re going to get other 16 year olds applying.

Not helpful, but this made me laugh.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She’s on the spectrum but high functioning. I could ask her to text or not cook but she’d forget.

Why not just set up several cameras in your house and text to check in with her?

The next best option is to set up tutoring or music lessons while you’re out.

[Anonymous]

you should probably post in the special needs section

hope you find something!

I'm also wondering if you could maybe sign her up for an activity on those instead? like have her go to a tutoring place?

[Anonymous]

Okay, possible there’s more to this than you’re posting in which case I agree with previous posters to try the special needs board.

But having known several folks on the spectrum, this feels solvable without care with some workarounds and loosening your standards.

Ex: five days a month in primarily daylight hours occasionally leaving the doors unlocked… sounds like a manageable risk and a learning experience for your daughter (ie, over a year maybe one of you will come up with some system to help her remember that clicks).

As far as the kitchen: can’t you just literally put a giant “NO COOKING” sign that covers all stove knobs for those days when she’s alone for a long period? It would look silly but so what? If she still cooks that’s a discipline/behavior issue not a spectrum issue.

[Anonymous]

How about a trustworthy adult neighbor who could drop by periodically? Or could she go to a friends house if they have a parent who works from home?

[Anonymous]

Is your daughter opposed to this? You can definitely get care givers of all ages on somewhere like care.com. You could also find a housekeeper that could organize / make dinner etc and just generally be around to keep an eye on things. If she's fine with someone being there you'll have no problem finding someone who can get paid to sit around keeping an eye on things. Hell I have a highly anxious dog and easily found someone to sit around our new house with them all day until they got comfortable there so they wouldn't destroy the house.

[Anonymous]

I would not trust care.com


Hire a grad student from one of the local colleges (go thru their career office). Choose an education major maybe or sometime else that sounds good.

[Anonymous]

I’m a fun, responsible, caring mid-career professional job hunting and am seeking part-time baby-sitting work to help support myself during this time. I’m Ivy League educated and happy to help tutor or with homework or other learning activities. If you post your email address, I can send you an email.

[Anonymous]

What strategies are you using so she actually becomes more independent? Are you planning on having the sitter follow her to college?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:lol

You’re going to get other 16 year olds applying.

Nothing wrong with that. Some 16 year olds are about that money and will complete the task.

[Anonymous]

Get electronic locks, no using the oven or microwave, .... set rules.