DP and I have booked a few days holiday together. Monday-Friday. His DCs are normally at their mum's in the week, and I've arranged a while back for my ex to have my two for the week.
Things have now got difficult at my ex's - not enough space, DD (10)can't sleep as her baby brother (Ex's DC, not mine) wakes everyone up at night, etc. I'm hoping to speak to my ex about it and see if he can come up with some better sleeping arrangement, but DD is really unhappy about how she'll manage 4 nights there with school the next day and not getting to sleep, so I'm looking for a plan B that won't involve cancelling our holiday.
DP has suggested that we could ask his eldest - DSD (16) - to stay at ours for the week and look after DD (and my DS, who's 13) overnight. My ex could probably give mine dinner each night and drop them round at 7ish. Both can make their own way to school in the mornings, and see to their own breakfast, etc so there's not a lot DSD would actually have to do besides just being around for them. My ex would be available to be sort of on call if she did have any problems (sick DC, etc). DSD is a mature and largely sensible girl - has a bit of an active social life and past problems of hosting gatherings at ours when we've been away, but I'm thinking that mid-week and with my two DCs in the house that ought to cramp her style a bit, and overall I'd trust her.
Is that asking too much of a 16 year old? Would you consider it? If so, would you offer money?