Question about child care option at the world

[jesusluvsu2005]

I've thought about trying to have a night (dinner or something) for my husband and I by ourselves on our trip. My kids are ages 15, 12, and 10. The problem is from what I have seen about the childcare options they don't include 15 years old. What all options are there and do any include a 15 year old? Thanks!
Amanda

 

[minnie mum]

Why not have the 15 year old babysit the other 2? They can have an early CS meal before you leave and go to the resort campfire and movie while you enjoy your evening.

 

[CinderElsa]

Does the 15yo have special needs? (Not trying to be funny, but if you're asking about childcare for a 15yo, I'm assuming there's something we don't know about.) Not all childcare is equipped to handle children with special needs, so I would vet any possible individual/agency closely.

 

[jesusluvsu2005]

Does the 15yo have special needs? (Not trying to be funny, but if you're asking about childcare for a 15yo, I'm assuming there's something we don't know about.) Not all childcare is equipped to handle children with special needs, so I would vet any possible individual/agency closely.

No special needs, she babysits them at home for short times. I just worry I guess. LOL I had thought about letting her. It just feels different because it's out of town I guess.

 

[jesusluvsu2005]

Why not have the 15 year old babysit the other 2? They can have an early CS meal before you leave and go to the resort campfire and movie while you enjoy your evening.

I had thought about that. I will think about the campfire/movie. I think I would almost rather them stay in the room because I worry about someone trying to do something to them if they don't have an adult with them. I'm a worrier. She will have a phone with her though so I might consider it. Are there lots of cast members present there? We've never done the movie/campfire time.

 

[minnie mum]

I think the resorts would be very safe. In the evening there are not only CMs about, but there are lots and lots of families with watchful parents all over the resort.

 

[BrianL]

It is very unlikely anything bad would happen to them at WDW. It is a very safe place, with plenty of security and cast members to help them. I know it's hard not to worry, but I think the other DISers would agree that the resort would be one of the safest places for one's kids to be.

 

[chelseabun76]

I would have no problem leaving my oldest in charge of my next 2 in line, which are the same age as yours (my dd just turned 16 but still would have done it at 15).... I would probably give them specific rules and instructions as to where they are allowed to go, and what time to be back in the room, and to stick together, etc. The resorts are pretty well managed and I have seen young kids wandering about without any adults at all going to and from the main building before....

 

[bumbershoot]

There are CMs everywhere. And guests everywhere. And cameras. And security people.

 

[kamik86]

As long as the younger two would listen to the older one and the older one would actually watch the younger (I know in high school I had a few friends that "babysat" without actually watching their younger siblings. Most of the time they got lucky and nothing actually happened)

 

[DisneyCAL]

If you have an iPhone or two, get the find friends app. You can track exactly where the person is if it would make you feel any better. We've used it multiple times to find where my MIL is as she often doesn't pick up her phone.

 

[tobikaye]

OP: Would you be more comfortable with your kids spending the time at one of the parks? I know that at 12-13, my parents would let me spend the whole day at an amusement park with my friends.

If so, you could plan your date for late afternoon to do something without the kids and have an earlier dinner. Go to the park with the kids until you leave, either for your date or to get ready for your date. Then after your date, you could meet them at the park and return to your hotel together or have them use the WDW transportation to get back to your resort.

Give them phones and have them text you once an hour or if they have any questions.

 

[hiroMYhero]

You can always book evening FPs and allow them to enjoy a park while you and your husband have dinner in the park or a nearby resort. The kids can text you their location at designated times.

Or, you can leave the 15 year-old at your resort and then have the younger ones go to a kid's club. The Swan/Dolphin clubs are free if you are dining in one of their restaurants which are excellent!

 

[Lisaloo]

If you will worry more than you will enjoy yourself, it isn't worth it. You know better than anyone what your limits are. My kiddos are 17, 15, 13 and 12 and this is the first year we have a date night planned. I haven't felt comfortable doing it in years past, even though we leave them for date night weekly at home.

 

[angierae]

I wouldn't have a problem with leaving them. Lots of the resorts do "movies under the stars" outside, maybe one of the nights they could go to that while you go out?

 

[mjkacmom]

My oldest started watching her siblings at the age of 12. Now that my youngest are 12, 12, and 14, I never have to worry about finding a sitter, since they are all capable of staying home alone. At those ages, I'd just let them go to a park. Childcare for a 15 year old? I don't think my kids have ever had a sitter older than 16. Heck, on our last cruise, we rarely saw our 15 and 17 year olds.

 

[Kathryn777]

Not sure what resort you're in, but can you do a reservation at your resort? I would leave a 15 yo in charge, no question, but at least that way you wouldn't be far