Is 18 old enough?

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

How old is DD?

[Anonymous]

Depends on the girl.

[Anonymous]

DD is 4.

[Anonymous]

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

[Anonymous]

I would not be comfortable leaving our 5 year old overnight with someone who is 18. YMMV.

I’d probably try to push the hotel reservations to a day when grandma was available.

[Anonymous]

How far away will you be?

[Anonymous]

I think for one night if her parents are around for backup and she’s experienced. I wouldn’t feel comfortable with more than a night.

[Anonymous]

Go with your gut, but I think it’s fine. My college age daughter has babysat overnight quite a few times.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Also, how much do you pay for overnight?

[Anonymous]

IMO a 2 night staycation is too long for an 18YO sitter.

[Anonymous]

I think its fine. I loved here from England when I was 18 and worked as an au pair.

You should pay hourly until 11pm and then again around 7am or when kid wakes up. $50-$100 flat rate for the overnight part.
Also leave money for activities if she is there a full day.

[Anonymous]

moved not loved

[Anonymous]

I'd be fine with this and probably feel more comfortable with the sitter saying at our house vs. taking DD to hers. It's good that her parents are just two doors down, too.