Is 18 old enough?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My mom was supposed to keep DD next weekend overnight for our anniversary and had to cancel. Our teen babysitter is back from her first year of college. Typically she watches DD for date nights. Do you think she's old enough to ask for a weekend? She's staying with her parents. So DD could stay there if parents approved or DD and sitter could stay alone at our house. Babysitter lives a few doors down from us.

I wouldn't do it. I would wait until your mom could watch her. I just wouldn't feel comfortable with an 18 year old watching my four year old all weekend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We will be in town. The original plan was for a two night staycation. I guess I could cancel some things and switch to one night. The babysitter has always been responsible and mature. She's been watching DD for 3 years.

I think that would be fine. Honestly, a trustworthy teen can handle just about anything that comes up and will have the energy to keep up with your child.

Your child knows her, her parents are literally right down the street and you can get home quickly if you need to.

[Anonymous]

I’d do one night/two days.

[Anonymous]

I would absolutely be ok with this. 18 is an adult.

[Anonymous]

I did an overnight when I was 20 with a 2 year old. I had been this girls part time nanny for about 2 months. It was perfectly fine and I was very responsible at this age. Parents when to the beach which was less than an hour away. I had no issues and it was really nice for me and my charge to bond and I enjoyed it. I agree with other poster that if you trust her she’s generally a responsible girl, then why not? She’s been watching her for 3 years so I’m guessing you’ve never had issues with this girl. Seems fine to me. I might switch it to one night though.

[Anonymous]

$50 for a flat overnight fee is an insult.

At least offer $80 for sleeping hours.

[Anonymous]

I babysat 2 kids, 11 and 6, overnight for a weekend when I was 20. This was 17 years ago! I got paid $100/night.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn’t, OP. She doesn’t necessarily have the brain function to handle an emergency.

[Anonymous]

I would rehearse emergency scenarios with her. But my question is: why you are asking the question? Do you know her well enough to have niggling doubts? Would setting up monitors help?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It totally depends on the girl. If she took up partying in college - no. If she's a generally trustworthy young adult then - yes.

Dp You are being ridiculous. Is the 18 year old a nun? Do you expect her not to have ANY fun? Also, how would you define "partying" and is op's daughter going to college with the babysitter?

Op,

Only you know the 18 year old and if she can or wants to do it. Have you asked her?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would absolutely be ok with this. 18 is an adult.

Dp Technically yes, but they are newly adults and may not be as responsible as a 25 year old, for example. Also, different kids mature at different rates. I know I wouldn't have been able to do it at age 18 and yet I am today a fully functioning adult.