Advice Needed - T-minus 10 hours...

[pearlieq]

...until the peaceful, orderly life of two DINKs is turned upside down for 10 days!

We're watching a friend's kids while they take a cruise for their anniversary. Their daughter is 11 and their son is 8.

The intellectual side of me knows this isn't rocket science and as long as I feed them, clothe them, and get them to school on time they'll be fine. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't freaking out just a tiny bit. They're fantastic kids and I absolutely adore them. It's not like I haven't done tons of babysitting, but never for this long. And I'm worried that the 8 year old might be a little young for this.

Any tips or advice?

What do I do if one of them gets really homesick or starts missing their parents really badly?

What do I do if they get scared at night?

What do I do when they say "I'm bored..."?

Any wisdom anyone has to share would be very welcome!

 

[mickeyboat]

What a great friend you are!

Has the 8 year old spent the night away from her parents before? I am guessing she will be o.k, especially since she has a sibling with her.

Have some fun activities (8 year old girls love crafts) planned for times when they need a little activity or distraction. Maybe they could make something as a welcome home gift for their parents.

Ask what they do at home for night time. My girls have night lights and special things they sleep with. They also like to be tucked back in if they have to get up to go to the bathroom, or if they have a bad dream. One mistake we made one time when we left them overnight wtih DH's sister, is to let her know we had no problem with them sleeping in the same room if they want to. As long as they sleep, I don't really care where it is, either. BTW - are you watching them at your house or theirs?

Good luck,
Denae

 

[pearlieq]

Has the 8 year old spent the night away from her parents before? I am guessing she will be o.k, especially since she has a sibling with her.

Thanks so much for the tips! A welcome home gift/craft for the parents is a great idea!

I honestly don't think the 8 year old has slept away from mom and dad yet. They're staying at our house, which luckily is just 2 doors down from their house. So hopefully it's not too strange.

I know I'm probably more worried than I should be, but you know how careful you are when you borrow someone's car? This is their kids!

 

[crzyred]

One thing the kids could do, is each day write down what they did that day to give to the parents when they get home. You can sit down with them and help them and that way you also get the interaction of bonding with them.

Have them help make dinner.

If there is time, you could take them bowling or to a movie.

Play board games. When I babysit, we play games for hours.

 

[mickeyboat]

I honestly don't think the 8 year old has slept away from mom and dad yet. They're staying at our house, which luckily is just 2 doors down from their house. So hopefully it's not too strange.

Last fall we made plans to go away for our 15th anniversary. The kids were going to stay with friends, had been prepared, brought their stuff over the night before and were really excited.

The morning we were to leave, they called and said they were sick and could not take the kids.

We rushed around to make alternative plans, and our neighbors agreed to take the kids. The girls had a blast!!! But it was nice that they were righ across the street, so if they needed or wanted anything, or just wanted to go over and play (with the neighor's 12 year old), they could. They also took care of the cats and the fish. I worked out very well!!!

So, if you have a key to their house, and the kids get lonely or homesick, you could always go over there for a little while. It might help.

Denae

 

[DrCavin]

Another great use for duct tape...

 

[pearlieq]

The morning we were to leave, they called and said they were sick and could not take the kids.

Oh my gosh! I'm so glad it all worked out. I would have had a heart attack!

Another great use for duct tape...

Excellent backup plan! I'll dig out my roll for when all else fails...

 

[happybratpack]

May the force be with you...



You're much braver than I.

 

[NHdisneylover]

What nice firends! We hosted a 7 year old Fresh Air Fund child last year. So that was a kid who did not know us at all and he was only 7 and came to stay with us for 2 weeks in rural New Hampshire having lived his entire life in NYC. Here are some things the Fresh Air Fund suggested which may help you:

Sit down the first night with the kids and plan the meals for the rest of the time they are there (inlcuding possibly a night or two out at somewhere they love). It helps the kids feel more in control and then they know they can count on having things they like to eat.

Set up a calander and try to plan a few things for the week. For the ages you will be having (close to my own children) maybe you can go bowling or skating or to a movie. Having something planned that is fun gives them something to focus on besides missing mom and dad.

On the first day help them to unpack and put things away in the room they wil be staying in. If they just leave everything in their suitcase it will feel less like home.

Also on the first day go over any rules and expectations (really it is easier for htem than wondering what you are and are not okay with). Ask them what they expect and want from you to. Try to keep the rules short and simple--don't overlaod them.

Spend lots of time with them and try to relax and enjoy.

Not from Fresh Air, just my own bit here: As far as things to do whe nthey are bored for those ages: board games, crafts, baking cookies, movies, swimming (if there is an indoor pool in your area), or share your hobbies with them.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

To me, there's nothing like making some popcorn and hunkering down all comfy style with big blankets to watch some really neat DVDs. This will help them re-direct if they're feeling blue and has the potential to be the most remembered part of their stay, feeling right at home. They could bring some of their own movies and maybe watch some of yours they've never seen before - just check with their parents to ask about which ones are ok.

Yup, movies all week!

Good luck!

 

[NHdisneylover]

Also make sure their parents leave you with a copy of their insurance card and a signed medica release just in case.

 

[Arielle22]

In Nov 2005 dh and I went for 10 days to Disney for our 20th anniversary. My sister and bil, childless, stayed at our house during the week and then brought the girls to their house on the weekend. My dds have stayed with ds since they were young but never for that length of time.

I gave DS an itinerary for each day. It included what time to get up, leave for school, a map of the school for after school pickup.

We left a notarized letter for medical care in case of emergency (along with HMO cards) and their doctor info. Also a detailed list of dd's medications (allergies and asthma)

They followed their normal routine during the week and on the weekends went to a movie and out to eat.

At 11 and 8 it is a lot easier then younger children. Both must be in school so that will take up a lot of time. I would ask them their normal routine is and try to follow that.

OP, I think it is wonderful what you are doing. I hope your friend realizes what a true friend you are.