MK with a Mothers Helper

[Tallent]

This summer we're doing a half-week visit with my mom in the Orlando area (she recently moved there) and then a few days at Disney. My dh does NOT do well in the summer FL heat so he's staying at home and saving his days for our family Dec. trip. So it'll be me, dd5 and ds who will have turned 2 just before our trip. I'm a fairly confidant person and mother but I was so nervous at doing Disney alone! My mom can't come (work) and I"d thought of a Fairy Godmother but that was too expensive...I just couldn't see how I could do it (Julia wants to swim but Jack needs a nap, Julia wants to ride Barnstormer but what do with Jack? I need to use the bathroom but with 2 kids, one of whom would probably scoot under the stall ! lol) SO I asked my friend if her 13yo daughter would like to come along as my helper and she said YES!!! I"m a bit nervous at having her along but I know her and she's a good and responsible girl. Just the thought of having a non related child but I work with her mom and know them well...guess I"m just a nervous nelly lately. Her mom will pay airfare and food (except I'll treat to crt since we already have reservations) and souveniers etc.
Just wanted to share that I may finally get to breathe about this trip!!

Rachel

 

[tadamom]

I think that is a great idea!!!!! If you are comfortable with the girl and your kids are too, then I say HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!!

 

[TheDizMom]

How cool is that, especially since you don't have to pay for everything to get her down ther with you. I think it's an awesome idea for everyone involved. Just keep in mind she may want to do a few things that may not be appropriate for you kids (like space mountain), so maybe allow time and set guidelines around her wants too. You should have a set plan about how you will deal with that. Even though she is there to help you, you do want her to be able to have some fun and not be required to spend every second watching a child, she is after all only 13. Make sure she understands her primary objective is to help you with your children, but that she is allowed to go on rides and see things of her choice too. I fear if you don't plan for that you will end up with a very moody teenager on top of 2 young kids . Have fun and I hope all goes well for you.

 

[tadamom]

How cool is that, especially since you don't have to pay for everything to get her down ther with you. I think it's an awesome idea for everyone involved. Just keep in mind she may want to do a few things that may not be appropriate for you kids (like space mountain), so maybe allow time and set guidelines around her wants too. You should have a set plan about how you will deal with that. Even though she is there to help you, you do want her to be able to have some fun and not be required to spend every second watching a child, she is after all only 13. Make sure she understands her primary objective is to help you with your children, but that she is allowed to go on rides and see things of her choice too. I fear if you don't plan for that you will end up with a very moody teenager on top of 2 young kids . Have fun and I hope all goes well for you.

Ditto what TheDizMom said about allowing her to do some things that are age appropriate for her too! I wasn't even thinking about that!

 

[Tallent]

I totally agree! She will definitely get her own rides and her own time. Her mom and I will sit down to go over what rides she is allowed to ride on her own, and I've asked her to have me make a list of things she wants to do. She might not get them all but she'll surely get some to a lot!!!

Rachel

 

[tadamom]

That's great that y'all are going to have a plan for her! Again, great idea!!