We just started using a girl down the street to babysit for us, she is a new babysitter and is currently in 6th grade. I am slightly nervous about her young age and when we use her we do not go very far from home. My husband and I have been invited to a wedding in the city (we live in Arlington Heights) and I can't decide if I want to ask her to babysit, if there was an emergency it could take a while to get back here. Am I being ridiculous? 6th grade just seems so young, she's our only option for babysitting. Please let me know your thoughts if you have a daughter or babysitter that is this age!
We also use a younger sitter for days that we will be around the neighborhood. I will only use her for shorter amounts of time AND if we will be close by. I personally think 6th grade is to young to use for a longer amount of time. I have to agree with you. 6th grade seems very young to leave alone with your children when you will be all the way in the city.
I, personally, feel that a 6th grader (age 11 or so?) is too young to babysit while you are in the city for a wedding.
I have a younger sister who has been babysitting for us since she was 13 and my first son was born. She's 17 now and we have two sons. She's our main sitter, but if we're going somewhere far or for a long time, my mom either joins her OR makes sure that she's available should my sister need some help.
If it were me, I'd make other arrangements.
You will have a horrible time at the wedding if you do have her as a babysitter even if she is adorable and responsible and even if you were only five minutes away. If you are this worried then you will be thinking about that the whole time. I am sure your city hall as a list of students in the area who could babysit, they do here. Or you could call the local middle or high school and ask if there is a list. Unless the little girl can have your children at her family house where her mother might supervise, I wouldn't even discuss it. Heck if I lived a little closer I'd even do it. But there might be a mom nearby, also who would babysit. Check out the churches and park district., too. I have a hunch there's a whole new social life out there for you.
Can you talk to her mom and ask her if she will be home that night? I have been in this situation and that's what I did. I didn't have any other choice, except staying at home. So I called the mom and said that I liked the babysitter, but was worried because I was going into the city. Then I asked if she was going to be home in case something happened. I already kind of knew her and it wasn't awkward to ask. The mom was totally understanding and said she was going to be around and to have fun.
If it's a night time wedding, the kids will be sleeping part of the time you are gone anyway.
If it's a daytime wedding, maybe you could set up some playdates and have the sitter later.
I have a son who is in 6th grade and he is more responsible than my 8th grader! So you really can't judge by the sitter's age.
M.
Personally there's no way I'd let a 6th grader babysit. Maybe I'm being super-paranoid?
I would ask your friends with regular babysitters or nannies if their person would be willing to work for you from time to time. Otherwise, honestly, I'd stay home.
We live in the city, so I know out in the burbs it's a different culture when it comes to these things... But that just seems way too young.
I think 6th grade is way too young, I mean this is your baby you are entrusting to her. I would not even leave a 6th grader with my 3 year old when i went to the shop for 10 mins. You've gotta think of worst case scenario - what if someone came to the door - how would the 6th grader know what to do - alos my niece is that age and she gets "bored" so easily after a while with little ones, they kinda fight.
Just get someone older - I would even be nervous with a 17 year old but hey that's just me.
