Anonymous
Post 10/19/2023 17:43     Subject: Can a 16yo watch a 12yo overnight, every night?
I would just make sure you have a good plan in place in case something happens in the middle of the night. Can they call you at work? Can you leave work? If not, who do they call in an emergency?
Anonymous
Post 10/19/2023 17:43     Subject: Can a 16yo watch a 12yo overnight, every night?
I mean, it's not idea. But if the 16 yo is responsible and up to it, and the parent is there for dinner and breakfast, is accessible at work, and takes off or arranges care when there is illness or weather, I think it's not the worst thing.
Anonymous
Post 10/19/2023 17:42     Subject: Can a 16yo watch a 12yo overnight, every night?
I think given the circumstances it’s totally fine. Fine from a safety perspective, and also fine for the 16 year old developmentally.
Anonymous
Post 10/19/2023 17:42     Subject: Can a 16yo watch a 12yo overnight, every night?
This should be ok if you trust them and feel like they are ready. I would check in at regular intervals.
Anonymous
Post 10/19/2023 17:42     Subject: Can a 16yo watch a 12yo overnight, every night?
Anonymous wrote:People used to get married at 16, just saying.

In this day and age, I'd say it's fine if your older child is responsible and knows how to respond in an emergency.


This is such a LAME argument. People used to do a lot of things that we don't consider right in today's world.
Anonymous
Post 10/19/2023 17:41     Subject: Can a 16yo watch a 12yo overnight, every night?
This is fine as long as the parent can be reached at night and doesn’t make the 16 year old do all the cooking & cleaning.
Anonymous
Post 10/19/2023 17:41     Subject: Can a 16yo watch a 12yo overnight, every night?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Assume the parent works overnight. What are your honest thoughts on a (mature, responsible) 16yo and a (mature, responsible) 12yo (both girls) watching themselves 3-4 days a week. The alternative is the parent loses their job, which is niche (think air traffic controller) and salary not easily found elsewhere without experience. Other parent not in picture.


It isn't ideal.

Agreed. But I also understand overnight nannies aren’t cheap, and feel like a waste of money at 16/12. That’s college savings.


How about a neighbor that they can rely on? Problem is your 16 year old is still a kid and yet has the responsibility of being a mini adult. If I was the adult I would try to change my hours if at all possible or get a new job. You had the kids it is your responsibility, not the 16 year old
Anonymous
Post 10/19/2023 17:41     Subject: Can a 16yo watch a 12yo overnight, every night?
Not a perfect solution but not unreasonable. You know your kids best. I would have been ok with my 16 year old doing this with a sibling.
Anonymous
Post 10/19/2023 17:41     Subject: Can a 16yo watch a 12yo overnight, every night?
People used to get married at 16, just saying.

In this day and age, I'd say it's fine if your older child is responsible and knows how to respond in an emergency.
Anonymous
Post 10/19/2023 17:39     Subject: Re:Can a 16yo watch a 12yo overnight, every night?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Honestly probably ok. They need a checklist and the adults to check in on them and connect with them deliberately often. Are these weekends? Can everyone get to sports/activities?

Not often weekends, no. Transportation is coordinated and no one has missed a game/practice yet.


Not perfectly ideal, but ok. And the kids will be resilient. Are you the parent?
Anonymous
Post 10/19/2023 17:37     Subject: Re:Can a 16yo watch a 12yo overnight, every night?
Anonymous wrote:Honestly probably ok. They need a checklist and the adults to check in on them and connect with them deliberately often. Are these weekends? Can everyone get to sports/activities?

Not often weekends, no. Transportation is coordinated and no one has missed a game/practice yet.
Anonymous
Post 10/19/2023 17:36     Subject: Re:Can a 16yo watch a 12yo overnight, every night?
Honestly probably ok. They need a checklist and the adults to check in on them and connect with them deliberately often. Are these weekends? Can everyone get to sports/activities?
Anonymous
Post 10/19/2023 17:35     Subject: Can a 16yo watch a 12yo overnight, every night?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Assume the parent works overnight. What are your honest thoughts on a (mature, responsible) 16yo and a (mature, responsible) 12yo (both girls) watching themselves 3-4 days a week. The alternative is the parent loses their job, which is niche (think air traffic controller) and salary not easily found elsewhere without experience. Other parent not in picture.


It isn't ideal.

Agreed. But I also understand overnight nannies aren’t cheap, and feel like a waste of money at 16/12. That’s college savings.
Anonymous
Post 10/19/2023 17:34     Subject: Can a 16yo watch a 12yo overnight, every night?
Anonymous wrote:Assume the parent works overnight. What are your honest thoughts on a (mature, responsible) 16yo and a (mature, responsible) 12yo (both girls) watching themselves 3-4 days a week. The alternative is the parent loses their job, which is niche (think air traffic controller) and salary not easily found elsewhere without experience. Other parent not in picture.


It isn't ideal.
Anonymous
Post 10/19/2023 17:33     Subject: Can a 16yo watch a 12yo overnight, every night?
Assume the parent works overnight. What are your honest thoughts on a (mature, responsible) 16yo and a (mature, responsible) 12yo (both girls) watching themselves 3-4 days a week. The alternative is the parent loses their job, which is niche (think air traffic controller) and salary not easily found elsewhere without experience. Other parent not in picture.