House sitting with teen in house?

[Number42]

We are going away with our two younger ones for 9 days to France. DD (17) is not coming (various reasons). We don't want to leave her in the house alone because...17 year olds. There are sites out there advertising housesitters which looks like the answer - but will they refuse to do it if DD is around? Any ideas, experience?

You don't need a house sitter, you need a babysitter.

I had my own flat at 17. .

Never had a house party.

Can she go and stay with a friend?

Many will probably say no, for the same reason lots of places will say no to any of their employees being in a house alone with an under 18.

Do you have any friends with young adult children who'd be happy with getting some cash for doing this for you?

I know they won't be that much older than your 17yo, but I think there is still quite a difference with a 17yo and somebody just a few years older.

Are you wanting them to keep an eye on the 17yo though, or just watch the house and put her off having a house party?

I can't imagine anyone wanting to be responsible for a 17yo House sitters are there to look after pets, plants and the house, not teenagers!

If she is not responsible enough to look after herself and the house for 9 days then it sounds a bit unfair to expect some random stranger to take responsibility. I mean, as a housesitter, how would you expect to exert authority over a near-adult in her own house? Either find someone your 17yo knows and respects or pack her off to stay with relatives or put the fear of God in her re behaviour whilst you are away.

Or just say you expect responsible behaviour while you are away.
Job done.
No need to thank me. .

Is there a neighbour who can keep a casual eye on things ie ensuring no parties? Presumably she's capable of looking after herself in every other way (cooking, cleaning, locking up etc).

I wouldn't want to leave my teenager alone with someone I didn't know (who wasn't a properly vetted person who works with teens etc).

DS2 lived by himself in our house (we were living in a tied house) for the whole of his A levels (so from sixteen). Two years. No house parties. He may have had a GF sleep over - we never asked - but that was completely legal so nothing to worry about.

She should stay by herself.

Friends of ours have just got back from a week away and they'd left their dd of 17 at home on her own - in charge of three dogs, a cat and a horse. Everything was fine.

I've done this for my aunt and uncle, but would be very uncomfortable doing it for a stranger. Do you have any family/friends with adult children who might be willing? I still got paid lol

That does rather confirm my concerns. Am looking for people with personal connections as last poster suggests. Thanks everyone.