Can you rest while supervising a 5-year-old?

[Anonymous]

If you have a 5-year-old, do you ever sleep while watching them, or at this age is that considered unacceptable?

I’m a high school student who watches a 5 year old girl twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) for three hours. I get 5–6 hours of sleep most nights, and feel really tired, and think 20–30 minute nap would really help me, get through the rest of the day, but I’m not sure if that’s okay while with a 5 year old.

Would it be acceptable at this age if the child is in the same room, watching a show or playing with toys, or is that generally considered unsafe or inappropriate?

[Anonymous]

100% NO you are being paid to watch a child. What if the child left the house or lit a piece of paper on fire.

[Anonymous]

I'd fire a babysitter if they were napping during a 3 hour stint. The only acceptable time you could nap would be if the kid is already in bed and it's late at night (like you fell asleep waiting for the parents).

Also, why is the kid watching a show? My daycare doesn't allow screen time, so I'm not sure why a babysitter would be using it. Play with the kid! It's only 3 hours.

[Anonymous]

Only acceptable if you are watching them for free. Otherwise a big no no.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:100% NO you are being paid to watch a child. What if the child left the house or lit a piece of paper on fire.

I’m not getting paid—she’s my niece, which I should’ve mentioned. I asked other parents what they do with their 5-year-olds and was wondering if she’s old enough.

[Anonymous]

That would not be ok in my house. But OP, I think you need more sleep in general.

[Anonymous]

Completely unacceptable for a paid babysitter. As a parent, there are circumstances where this would happen and it's fine, but NOT someone who is being paid.

If you're old enough to be responsible for a 5 year old, you're old enough to figure out how you can get more sleep at night. Go to bed earlier!

[Anonymous]

No, because it's not your own child.

I occasionally took naps when my kids were that age, because they were quiet and well-behaved and I trusted they would not do anything dangerous.

I'm sorry you're not getting more sleep. You really should prioritize this. What can you cut in your schedule that would allow you to sleep more? My adult son had terrible sleep apnea issues when he was your age and it showed in his grades and general functionality. My 15 yo daughter prioritizes sleep and just goes to bed at 9pm every day, otherwise she can't function.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:100% NO you are being paid to watch a child. What if the child left the house or lit a piece of paper on fire.

I’m not getting paid—she’s my niece, which I should’ve mentioned. I asked other parents what they do with their 5-year-olds and was wondering if she’s old enough.

Even if it's free - you are NOT a parent. Parents have way, way more information about the temperament of the child, the risks in the household, are way more attuned to the child, and in general have way more information and essentially resources that might make napping while their kid is playing a safe choice.

You are NOT a parent. What parents do is NOT relevant. A babysitter (paid or unpaid) does not nap on the job. Period.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:100% NO you are being paid to watch a child. What if the child left the house or lit a piece of paper on fire.

I’m not getting paid—she’s my niece, which I should’ve mentioned. I asked other parents what they do with their 5-year-olds and was wondering if she’s old enough.

No. You're a teenager, you aren't going to just nap for 20 mins. You might oversleep, or just sleep hard while she runs amok. Don't do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:100% NO you are being paid to watch a child. What if the child left the house or lit a piece of paper on fire.

I’m not getting paid—she’s my niece, which I should’ve mentioned. I asked other parents what they do with their 5-year-olds and was wondering if she’s old enough.

If you're not getting enough sleep you really shouldn't be adding this on. The kid's parents shouldn't be relying on a teenage niece for free childcare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:100% NO you are being paid to watch a child. What if the child left the house or lit a piece of paper on fire.

I’m not getting paid—she’s my niece, which I should’ve mentioned. I asked other parents what they do with their 5-year-olds and was wondering if she’s old enough.

Only you can decide. Imagine the permanent fracture in your family you would create if you slept while she had an serious accident.

But you should be able to tell your aunt and uncle that you are a busy high schooler and cannot watch her anymore.

[Anonymous]

No, but you can sort of snooze on the couch while they play in the same room. Pro tip: see if they can entrap you in a magnatile building. Sleeping monster. Then you break out. Everybody wins.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely not. Do you want bangs? If you’re asleep you won’t say no when she comes at your hair with scissors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:100% NO you are being paid to watch a child. What if the child left the house or lit a piece of paper on fire.

I’m not getting paid—she’s my niece, which I should’ve mentioned. I asked other parents what they do with their 5-year-olds and was wondering if she’s old enough.

Only you can decide. Imagine the permanent fracture in your family you would create if you slept while she had an serious accident.

But you should be able to tell your aunt and uncle that you are a busy high schooler and cannot watch her anymore.

She would not get into anything or leave the house, she’s a smart 5 year old, and listens well, but I won’t do it.

She’s my siblings child, not an aunt/uncle.