Working 4 days a week-Too much for 14 y/o?

[Anonymous]

Maybe babysitting and kids aren't really her thing?

[Anonymous]

No, last year my then 14-year old DS worked 6 hours/day, 5 times a week. It just keeps you busy, teaches you responsibility, and helps you earn money.

[Anonymous]

Make her stick it out.

[Anonymous]

If she is the sole babysitter, than yes, it's too much.

[Anonymous]

Give the kid a break, why are u so adamant she makes money. You are greedy.
Do you make her buy her own tampons too?

[Anonymous]

One more thing to consider is what would happen to the families if she quit. If the parents and kids are relying on her, it is important to consider whether her feeling it is too much is worth leaving them in the lurch.

PP does have a good point about babysitting not being her thing, though. If your daughter doesn't truly like kids (or these kids) and connect with them, and she feels overwhelmed by having responsibility for them, that could be a recipe for some bad experiences.

[Anonymous]

My kids are in their teens and early 20s, and all were camp counselors at that age. They worked about 6 hours per day, but with peers and adults who were supervising them. Babysitting, OTOH, can be isolating. OP, I wonder if this could be what's bothering your daughter? Maybe she misses spending times with friends? Or maybe it's something about the kids or her relationship with the parents? Or, maybe there's some interest she'd like to pursue? Teens can't always articulate the reasons behind their feelings, but that doesn't mean there's no reason at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Give the kid a break, why are u so adamant she makes money. You are greedy.
Do you make her buy her own tampons too?

It's not about forcing them to earn money to pay their own way in life. It's about the kid having some structure, learning to be responsible.