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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

too much to my 17yr old niece when babysitting

52 replies

CharBB · 13/07/2019 12:08

Hi,

On Monday my niece is looking after my two kids (3 and 4) whilst me and DH go to a friends birthday meal. The meal is early and we will probably stay for drinks so she will be looking after the kids from (6pm-12/1) she is fine with these times. She will have to get them ready for bed which involves pj’s, nappy changes and then stories to get them to sleep. She offered to do it and I am paying her as well. She has only looked after them once in the day before is it too much to ask of her at 17?

OP posts:
highheelsandbobblehats · 13/07/2019 12:10

No. She's almost an adult and they'll be in bed asleep for the vast majority of that. I was babysitting from 7pm to midnight at 15 (back in the 90s). It was mostly drinking tea, eating biscuits and watching TV.

What's given you second thoughts?

Shootingstar1115 · 13/07/2019 12:11

How mature is she? Most 17 year olds are quite capable of this imo.

She will proably enjoy it. Spending time with her cousins, being given independence and earning some money too.

Sure she will be fine 😃

Finfintytint · 13/07/2019 12:12

Has she any other babysitting experience ?
Can she pop in over the weekend so you can show her the routine?

Original poster
CharBB · 13/07/2019 12:13

I am not sure what’s given me second thoughts but it’s something I agreed to ages ago without thinking about. I mean I used to do it when I was 14 but I think times have changed. I am sure she will be fine, she is good with them although she has put nappies on backwards before Hmm.

OP posts:
Fridaycantsleepdoh1 · 13/07/2019 12:13

Nah she will be fine, show her where everything is, talk through the routines ie if one DC has a fav book etc. Tell your oldest to help out and show where things are for the younger DC. She will be fine

Itwouldtakemuchmorethanthis · 13/07/2019 12:15

Write back/front on the nappy with biro....go have fun

Missteebeee · 13/07/2019 12:16

My 15 year old could do it

At 17, she’ll be fine

Apolloanddaphne · 13/07/2019 12:17

She will be fine. She may not do things exactly as you would but as long as they are safe and they are happy all will be well.

raviolidreaming · 13/07/2019 12:19

This really depends on how easy your DC go to bed / whether they're likely to play up for your niece.

I was babysitting from 7pm to midnight at 15 (back in the 90s). It was mostly drinking tea, eating biscuits and watching TV

Same, but the children were normally in bed when I got there.

Toddlerteaplease · 13/07/2019 12:23

she is good with them although she has put nappies on backwards before .

I've been a paediatric nurse fr 15 years and still put nappies on backwards!

Original poster
CharBB · 13/07/2019 12:25

I am sure she will be fine, she is good with him and I am not too far away if she is worried about anything. @Itwouldtakemuchmorethanthis definitely gonna have to do that lol and tell her which one is for what kid as I can’t imagine my 4yr old in the 3yr olds nappy. Thanks posters!

OP posts:
Lllot5 · 13/07/2019 12:25

I had two kids of my own when I was seventeen. Not advocating this but I’m sure she can manage.

81Byerley · 13/07/2019 12:25

I was working in a children's home at that age, she will be fine. Write down what do in case of, eg child waking, etc etc.

RollOnSummerBreak · 13/07/2019 12:26

Nope my 16nyr old sis looks. After my 16m old. Has done a couple of bed routines. Takes her out etc. She's very responsible and knows the routine well. In fact if she's here a normal. Day dd pulls sis hand to take her to bed l

stucknoue · 13/07/2019 12:27

No, some 17 year olds have kids! They'll be fine, worst case scenario she bribes them with cartoons, fine for one night

PookieDo · 13/07/2019 12:29

No my DD is similar age and would be totally fine doing this too. She would usually also ask the DC things like ‘is this your one?’ Etc when I have watched her looking after children she would usually use her initiative like that 😂

Original poster
CharBB · 13/07/2019 12:30

I may get her round tonight to watch me do it and then show her where everything is.

OP posts:
likeafishneedsabike · 13/07/2019 12:30

Wish I had a 17 year old niece! Make the most of it OP.

Userplusnumbers · 13/07/2019 12:32

Like a PP said, she probably won't do it all the same - but that's fine, and it'll be fun for the kids too!

likeafishneedsabike · 13/07/2019 12:32

Also, I babysat a 3 and 4 year old regularly at a similar age, but during the day. Their mum was AMAZED at the things they knew about - where stuff was kept, how things worked in their house. They’ll help her along more than you realise!

stayathomer · 13/07/2019 12:33

As long as she knows how to do a nappy change etc ( if not show her!) And she can ring you if there's an issue

PookieDo · 13/07/2019 12:35

Just leave their things in a pile in their rooms!
So PJ’s with a nappy

Your DC will tell her what favourite cup and book they like, trust me! It’s half the fun of babysitting

SeaToSki · 13/07/2019 12:38

Great idea to have her over to watch you do a run through. Then you can tell her where the dc might try and play up a bit and what you would do. She will probably feel more comfortable too

Original poster
CharBB · 13/07/2019 12:40

@stayathomer She does know how to but I will get her round tonight and show her again especially as DS(3) has a tendency to poo right before bed. DD(4) isn’t a problem as her nappy is only for bed. I will do the piles like @PookieDo suggested as it’s a very good idea.

OP posts:
Echobelly · 13/07/2019 12:43

Sounds fine, just check she knows everything she needs to know.

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