Sibling babysitting siblings

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think asking my oldest to babysit is fine on occasion. I wouldn’t ask her to change her plans or anything. But I refuse to pay her because this is one of the responsibilities of her being a family member, like doing dishes, laundry, etc.

Totally disagree. It was your decision to have children. It's your responsibility to care for them. You should ABSOLUTELY pay her for watching YOUR kids.

really,

We don’t go in big for allowances. And mine are two years apart. And watch themselves, basically. Please call if your sibling is doing something dangerous. But we give the older kid a car, and gas, and insurance. And in return he sometimes help the household out by running errands and driving his sister somewhere when his schedule allows and a parent can’t. Orders helping youngers is part of being in a family. Now, I would not ask my kid to cancel plans to do so. And I would not do it as a regular, routine thing. But if once a month you need a sitter and the older doesn’t have plans? They can keep an eye on a younger.

I’m thinking 2-4 year age spread here. Younger kid is self sufficient and doesn’t need a lot of entertaining.

You're asking your older to parent your younger. Sorry, no. Unless they agree and you pay them.
Your kids, your responsibility.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think asking my oldest to babysit is fine on occasion. I wouldn’t ask her to change her plans or anything. But I refuse to pay her because this is one of the responsibilities of her being a family member, like doing dishes, laundry, etc.

Totally disagree. It was your decision to have children. It's your responsibility to care for them. You should ABSOLUTELY pay her for watching YOUR kids.

really,

We don’t go in big for allowances. And mine are two years apart. And watch themselves, basically. Please call if your sibling is doing something dangerous. But we give the older kid a car, and gas, and insurance. And in return he sometimes help the household out by running errands and driving his sister somewhere when his schedule allows and a parent can’t. Orders helping youngers is part of being in a family. Now, I would not ask my kid to cancel plans to do so. And I would not do it as a regular, routine thing. But if once a month you need a sitter and the older doesn’t have plans? They can keep an eye on a younger.

I’m thinking 2-4 year age spread here. Younger kid is self sufficient and doesn’t need a lot of entertaining.

You're asking your older to parent your younger. Sorry, no. Unless they agree and you pay them.
Your kids, your responsibility.

NP and I don't agree with you, and it's not your call to make. I agree occasional babysitting, not overused like OP's situation, is a part of being in the family.