Do you pay your teens to babysit their siblings?
By sunshine4
@sunshine4 (8703)
United States
July 28, 2007 8:18pm CST
Today my 13 yr old played in a basketball tournament 2 hours away from our home. Last year when he played, we took our then 6 yr old with us. It was hot, the day was long, she was tired, whiney, and miserable. This year I told my 15 yr old that he was babysitting his sister from 9-2 and my 18 yr old was babysitting from 2 till 7. They didn't ask for payment and I didn't offer. We are a family, and when we need the help from each other, I expect it to be given.
Friends at the game thought that it was terrible that I wasn't paying my teens to watch their sister. What are your thoughts on this?
I do pay them if my husband and I are going out for the night alone. I feel that this is the way they are supporting their brother who is playing basketball. They didn't want to take the long trip to watch the games, so they are helping by watching their sister. What do you think?
1 response
@KrisNY (7590)
• United States
30 Jul 07
I think it is up to you! I am pretty sure had I been in the same situation- I would have paid my kids- I only have 1 child- My brother has 3- when the oldest babysits for whatever reason she gets paid- It’s not a lot- but it’s something- saying thank you- But I do see your side also- But still I would pay-
@sunshine4 (8703)
• United States
31 Jul 07
I usually do pay my kids for watching their sister. I was trying to teach them that once in a while they have the responsibility to step up and help without getting paid for it. Actually, neither of them even asked if I was going to pay them. They knew that the basketball tournament was costing us enough and then the gas and food on top of that.
