First time traveling WITHOUT kids.... question about power of attorney for kids

[wilbret]

We are going to be taking a 8-day trip for our 15th anniversary, and it's first time we've had more than 2 days without kids in about 12 years. It's a big deal.

Childcare will be provided by aunt/uncle for part of the time, then my mom is going to stay with them for the last few days.

Should we have a power of attorney for them, in case they need to go to the ER, etc? It never crossed my mind until now, but it's a different world now than when I was a kid.

 

[mjkacmom]

My parents watched my kids several time, and my sister’s kids. We gave them a notarized letter stating they could make medical decisions.

 

[NYCgrrl]

We are going to be taking a 8-day trip for our 15th anniversary, and it's first time we've had more than 2 days without kids in about 12 years. It's a big deal.

Childcare will be provided by aunt/uncle for part of the time, then my mom is going to stay with them for the last few days.

Should we have a power of attorney for them, in case they need to go to the ER, etc? It never crossed my mind until now, but it's a different world now than when I was a kid.

Same world just more thinking ahead awareness.
Yes, have a medical POA and up to date will for where ever you travel.

 

[Nancyg56]

My parents watched my kids several time, and my sister’s kids. We gave them a notarized letter stating they could make medical decisions.

My friend entrusted her mom with her two minor children for a month. Mom was keeping them in Equador while my friend and her DH returned home, and would bring the children back to the US. She had a form filled out that was witnessed and motorized, IIRC.

I did not know there was such a thing as a medical POA, but personally, if that is available, I would be sure to have that in place.

 

[EdnaMarieMode]

We leave a notarized letter indicating who can make decisions on our behalf while are traveling. I also include a statement that the same people entrusted to make decisions can have access to medical information and discuss the child’s medical information with their doctor as needed.

I’ve never had to use this letter but I added the bit about discussing medical info after my sister traveled, left her son with his grandma, and they were unable to discuss anything with her when she called about some cold symptoms he was having (which I completely understand). DS takes a prescription medication daily and has a minor dairy allergy, and I would hate for someone caring for him to not be able to discuss something with the doctor if an immediate question came up.

 

[SueM in MN]

Here’s a link to a good article: https://traveltips.usatoday.com/paper-work-give-someone-emergency-permission-vacation-103484.html

And a link to a fillable form:
https://eforms.com/consent/child-medical/

When my kids were little, we used forms that summer camps had parents fill out as our guide. Both parents signed and we got it notarized - your bank should have a notary you can use (our was free).

 

[wilbret]

Sorry, I've been away... we did prepare a letter and had it notarized. I'd like to see someone in the ER challenge "Grandma" if she brought in an injured kid, though. That'd be a scene!

 

[EdnaMarieMode]

Sorry, I've been away... we did prepare a letter and had it notarized. I'd like to see someone in the ER challenge "Grandma" if she brought in an injured kid, though. That'd be a scene!

Most states have laws that indicate that if emergency care is necessary then what is necessary can be done without a parent's consent. It would be the minimum of care (as in, the child would be kept alive until a parent could be reached or permission for decision making could be established) but the child would receive care.