Would you hire a 10-year old "mother's helper"?

cjsbdl · April 2011

There's a girl in our neighborhood who is advertising babysitting services...no way would I leave her alone with mine at her age, but I was thinking of hiring her as a mother's helper a couple afternoons a week. Probably late afternoon/early evening after Henry's nap and during the dinner rush, which is a difficult time for me now with two to juggle. I would always be in the house with her, and she could entertain Henry and help me keep an eye on them both so I could get some things done and get dinner on the table? Do you think she's old enough for that? I haven't been around a ten-year old in a while, so I'm not the best judge.

KYRN · April 2011

I think a 10 year old is capable of that. I would have been a good candidate for that at 10. I had a cousin that was born when I was 9 and my parents kept her a lot and I basically did everything with her. I think she could be a big help for what you described. You can always try it out since you'll be there to supervise and see how it goes.

hannah&ben · April 2011

It all depends on the girl... I'd do a couple trial runs before I'd asked her to do it regularly.

The oldest of my younger sisters would have rocked at this when she was 10. My other sister and my own daughter at 10... um no... both would have enjoyed playing with kids but would have had to come and find you ever 2 minutes to ask you something, tell you something, do something, etc.

Hannah

ShannonSky · April 2011

I wouldn't even mention the possibility of it being on-going, I would just see if she could come over once, and if that works out, try again, then maybe offer an on-going thing. At 10, I would have been pretty disappointed if I got offered something on-going then it didn't pan out.

GenRN45 · April 2011

i think it all depends on the 10 year old. But a mature 10 yaer old who loves kids and is really into it? Absolutely.

cjsbdl · April 2011

Good idea on the trial run. I could call and say I have a project to work on (reorganizing kitchen cabinets, etc) and have her come by to help with the kids to see how she does.

ejgballerina · April 2011

I babysat a three year old and a five year old alone for hours when I was ten. (Crazy to think, but I swear it was different times back then or something. Plus my parents just lived in the neighborhood in case of emergency) Looking back, I was super responsible and took it VERY seriously. I think a ten year old is more than capable of being a helper.

AlissaCell701 · April 2011

hannah&ben:

It all depends on the girl... I'd do a couple trial runs before I'd asked her to do it regularly.

The oldest of my younger sisters would have rocked at this when she was 10. My other sister and my own daughter at 10... um no... both would have enjoyed playing with kids but would have had to come and find you ever 2 minutes to ask you something, tell you something, do something, etc.

Hannah

This!

I use a 16 year old girl to help me out in the late afternoons; mainly when DH is working a long homestand and I need a break. She has also baby sat in the evenings when we have gone out..But I have put Jake to bed and he is usually sleeping by the time she comes over.

Her parents/mom live down the street and are always home..She does need a lot of direction but it's more because she just doesn't know KWIM?? I think with the right training any kid can be good with children..

pinkcallalily · April 2011

I think a 10-year old is definitely capable since you will be home. I babysat a 1-year old and 5-year old a couple afternoons a week when I was 11 and the mom just wanted to be sure my mom would be home at the time (down the street). Now that I'm older I'm surprised she hired me (she called me, I wasn't even looking to babysit at the time), but I took it seriously and never even needed to call my mom for help. I babysat for this family all through high school as well. I think it's a good idea to do a couple trial runs before hiring her on a more permanent basis.

piccolina09 · April 2011

I taught 4th grade for many years, I have had many responsible level headed 10 year old girls in my classes, so it is very possible that she could handle helping you out. Give it a try, not all typical 4th/5th graders may be mature enough but I would still try it out.

LucyPevensie · April 2011

Wow, as the aunt of a 9 year old (and 9 other nieces/nephews ranging from age 8 months to 23 years) I saw this and thought to myself, "NO!" But I see I am the only one so far! I don't know, my niece is lovely and cute and sweet but to me 10 years old is still just so young, I would not feel comfortable with that. I would feel like I was babysitting the 10 year old in addition to the little ones! But again, it looks like I am in the minority here.

CBL · April 2011

Our 5 year old neighbour comes to play with G all the time and she's a god-send. Getting dinner ready is SOOO much easier when she's there. They play within my sightlines while I'm cooking and cleaning up.

I'd think a 10 year old would be perfect for that kind of thing. FWIW, I "babysat" my baby and toddler cousins for about an hour every weekend when I was 10 while my uncle was 30 feet away in the barn.

DavezWife · April 2011

I was doing "real" babysitting in 7th grade. (what is that, 12?) and although I do recall the parents not too far away, easy to reach, etc. I felt I did a good job.

At age 10, for a "helper" the only concern of mine is would she have the cognitive ability to redirect the kid(s) and come up with Plan B when they don't want to do what you set out for them to do, etc. ? If I would have to have another kid underfoot, needing direction and coaching, it might not be worth it to me. I mean, I can kinda see a 10 yr old going "what cha cookin? can I have a snack? " lol. But it's worth a couple hours to test out, let her know expectations (having CLEANING UP AFTER YOURSELVES as one of them, lol) and go from there.

howleyshell · April 2011

If it was just Henry I wouldn't hesitate to try her out.

Plenty of responsible young kids who enjoy playing with tots.

It's Eleanor that's got me thinking "hmmmm" on this one.

Unless she's got experience with newborns I think E may be a bit young for her to juggle them both well especially if that's "happy hour" for E like it was for mine when they were that young.

But.... it certainly wouldn't hurt to try and see!

LuckySunshineBaby · April 2011

I agree with pp about it being a trial run. Maybe tell her you could use her help just this one afternoon and if it's a good fit tell her how awesome she did and continue to ask her.

Does she have younger siblings? I think that really helps. I agree with pp as well about it being dependent on the girl.

When DD was born DH's 10 yr old cousin wanted to come over and be my Mother's Helper. It was a huge PITA. Because she is family, she used the time to demand we watch Disney (her fam doesn't have that channel) and for me to cater to her every whim of snacks and drinks, even complaining when she didn't like the choices. It started out great, but because it wasn't a "real" job to her (which 10 year olds take themselves and this type of job so seriously), she was more work than help.

I would be more comfortable if it was non-family and the girl thought it was a "job".

cjsbdl · April 2011

howleyshell:

If it was just Henry I wouldn't hesitate to try her out.

Plenty of responsible young kids who enjoy playing with tots.

It's Eleanor that's got me thinking "hmmmm" on this one.

Unless she's got experience with newborns I think E may be a bit young for her to juggle them both well especially if that's "happy hour" for E like it was for mine when they were that young.

But.... it certainly wouldn't hurt to try and see!

Yeah, i wouldn't really expect her to do much with E at this point. Just having someone to play with H while I cook dinner and fold a couple loads of clothes would be a huge help. I can handle E...she has never really had a witching hour (thank you, dear Lord!).

dusk42 · April 2011

Our previous neighbor would be awesome at this - she started her own petsitting business when she was 10 (her mom would walk with her to the houses and make sure she locked up, etc., but she basically did it all herself). And then there are some 20-year-olds who wouldn't be able to handle it (heck, my mom sometimes needs so much direction that it's easier to watch DD myself).

sasa625 · April 2011

My cousin started "watching" DD when she was 11. We usually see her at my grandparents house and all I have to do when I'm there is change diapers and feed DD... my cousin chases and plays with her. It's great

I wouldn't leave her alone with DD yet (but maybe soon) but she is more than capable of playing with DD for a few hours and keeping her entertained (and safe)

happytracy · April 2011

My niece is 10 almost 11 and she helps with Izzy all the time (supervised)... but she is very mature for her age. I think a trial is the way to go.

beebe929 · April 2011

LucyPevensie:
Wow, as the aunt of a 9 year old (and 9 other nieces/nephews ranging from age 8 months to 23 years) I saw this and thought to myself, "NO!" But I see I am the only one so far! I don't know, my niece is lovely and cute and sweet but to me 10 years old is still just so young, I would not feel comfortable with that. I would feel like I was babysitting the 10 year old in addition to the little ones! But again, it looks like I am in the minority here.

I was thinking this but " hell no" My nephew plays nice but gets bored quick

kme930 · April 2011

I was 8 1/2 when my brother was born and I definitely did a lot with him. By the time I was 10, my parents left me at home to babysit him sometimes (seems crazy to me now, but I was super responsible and serious about it). Like others have said, it really depends on the kid. If she really wants to get good experience and is motivated, it could be great!

I hope it works out!

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