She should have called you. I’ve been in that situation several times. My youngest had a friend over. I needed to run a quick errand. One of my older kids is home and perfectly capable of babysitting. I always call to be sure it’s ok. Even when my teen had actually babysat for the family in the past. It’s just common courtesy.

My 10 year old son is capable of watching his sister...frankly you seem cray cray. If you want control then supervise your daughter yourself.

I would be fine with a 14yo watching my kid if I knew them. I would be annoyed too tho in the sit you gave. She should have told you.

I probably would have liked a text also. But I think just don’t say anything.... let it go, eventually the kids will find a way.

She has older kids and is more lax. That’s how it goes. My main worry would be kids running into the street, but at 6 they’re probably pretty unsupervised in the school yard.

A text would have been nice, but this was perfectly safe. By six, they barely need supervision anyway.

You way overreacted!

Anonymous wrote:In the 90s I was babysitting kids in my neighborhood by 12. You’re over reacting, OP.

Yep - my neighbors left me with their newborn and their toddler. In retrospect, they were probably nuts but they always made sure to go out on nights my parents were home. But still...

Agree, with the pp’s. You were home if something terrible happened. Your kid cab talk and tell the 14 year old if something hurts. I think you need to move on.

I would ask if the 14 year was available to babysit! Send her over a $10 gift card to thank her so she is motivated to babysit for you!

At 14 they have more energy to engage 6 year olds, I would be happy

Anonymous wrote:13 is the legal age in Montgomery County. A responsible 14 year old should have no trouble doing this. But I agree that the parent should have been courteous enough to give you a heads up.

It's not a problem, OP. Just be friendly, and know that in a pinch, your child will be watched by the older sister when she goes to their house!

I think it’s more likely that OPs child will be persona non grata at the neighbor’s house from here on out.

13 is the legal age in Montgomery County. A responsible 14 year old should have no trouble doing this. But I agree that the parent should have been courteous enough to give you a heads up.

It's not a problem, OP. Just be friendly, and know that in a pinch, your child will be watched by the older sister when she goes to their house!

I can definitely see why you were thrown off op and mom should have probably sent you a text, but I agree with the chorus that 14 is very solidly old enough to watch two 6 year olds for what was probably 15-30 minutes. Truly sounds very normal. I would try to let it go especially since the mom apologized.

I’d be happy I got some free baby sitting out of this and brought the mom a bottle of wine.

Man, can I get her number so I can ask her 14 yo to babysit my 5 year old?

You were shocked, and you overreacted. My 14 y/o is definitely capable of watching 2 6 y/o. It’s up to you if you want to smooth things over, but I think this other mom really thought she was doing you a favor.