Hmm I have two boys these ages. I spiel do it in an emergency, but not on the regular. They would fight and play a lot of video games.

No because you can’t trust that the 9 year old won’t do something dumb.

The 9 year old isn’t going to really let a 13 year old supervise him, he’s going to do whatever he wants. A 13 year old isn’t going to be able to control a 9 year old for that long. It’s really little better than having the 9 year old left alone.

Yes, assuming there are no major issues with the kids and there are people nearby that could help if needed. A 13 year old is generally a rising 8th grader (I was babysitting by then) and a 9 year old is a rising 4th grader, not a toddler in need of constant monitoring. I can’t imagine getting a sitter for my 13 year old. If anything I would find somewhere else for the 9 year old to go if you’re not comfortable with the kids alone together.

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcfrs-info/Resources/Files/Home%20Alone/homealone.pdf

That is a long time, and you will be far away if something happens. I'd probably get a sitter, OP.

I can see this working with some families but my 2 boys would kill each other. Or one would get injured somehow outside while the other read inside and never noticed his absence.

I'd get a sitter.

Anonymous wrote:I would 100% incentivize the 13yo to be with the 9yo.

That means:

- watching a movie together that the 9yo picks
- craft making together (obviously something simple, like a bead bracelet)
- board game together
- video games together

All will be good if the 13yo understands their responsibility here.

And I would not make it public to the 9yo that the 13yo is getting paid or getting a reward.

HAHAHA. You don't have boys, that one thing is certain.

And no, the 13 year doesn't have to cater to the whims of younger sibling. The 9 year old can learn to share and negotiate what they watch and is equally responsible as appropriate for their age level.

But I would be fine with it if there were neighbors or friends close by that they could call if needed.

gender is important here. two girls might be fine in most households. two boys no way. boy and a girl could go either way, i see more neglect happening with opposite gender sibs if they don't normally play together, like the older one will not notice if the younger one has gotten themselves in a situation.

It really depends. Is the 13 year old mature enough to be alone for that long? Are they in a neighborhood where they can easily go to a neighbor if they need something in an emergency or are you out in the sticks? Is there an adult nearby that can be called in an emergency? Can the kids reach you on a phone if they need you? Do you have cameras you can check in on them? Do they know what do to if there is a fire? I'd be worried about a fire more than strangers or intruders. Or if one of them hurt themselves and needed medical attention. If you have people nearby that can help them, this is less worrisome.
Better yet, get a sitter and don't think about it.

13 is fine, 9 gives me pause. I agree with pps it depends on the dynamic between them. Plus being so far away in case something happens.

Anonymous wrote:Would you feel comfortable with this?

no I would not feel comfortable with that.

Is this a one time thing or a recurrence? For one time, if it was absolutely a necessity, I would do it. 13 is fine, it's just the taking care a younger kid that has me pausing slightly. I would not do this routinely.

Are there people close by they could call in an emergency?

Do they get along well?

I would 100% incentivize the 13yo to be with the 9yo.

That means:

- watching a movie together that the 9yo picks
- craft making together (obviously something simple, like a bead bracelet)
- board game together
- video games together

All will be good if the 13yo understands their responsibility here.

And I would not make it public to the 9yo that the 13yo is getting paid or getting a reward.

Would you feel comfortable with this?