What to do with an 11 year old at night?

[lclark0621]

Come on people... NO WHERE did disneychrista say the OP or anyone who uses child care, is "a bad parent" or anything near that!

All she said is SHE wouldn't.

It's fine if your do, its fine it you dont!

Some people are just being WAY to sensitive & getting their panties in a twist.

 

[melomouse]

.... Make me a better parent? I think so. DH & I were able to breathe an adult breath, eat from a menu that did not contain the word "nugget", and actually enjoy one another for a couple of hours. We picked them up refreshed and ready to give them 100% of us for the remainder of the trip. I honestly think the time away from us was good for them as well.

Oh, and another plus for them - DH & I decided during our adult time that yes, we would in fact be back in September!

BRAVO, PixiePower!!!Well said and I completely agree!!

And OP - enjoy AP - I have stayed at WL 3x and haven't yet been because I'm one of those wackos who will not enjoy a higher-end meal with DS there, and DD is still "nuggeting"!!!

melomouse

 

[rgribik]

I feel bad for "disneychrista", after reading and rereading her posts, I don't think she was "flaming" anyone, give her a break. The op asked "How old are your kids before you leave them for a few hours?" not what I guess she wanted to know--"what is a good service to use to watch my 11 year old for a few hours". I have no problem with an adult dinner on vacation(Dh and I just came back from a get away weekend to the Dis without the kids(5 of them) , call us wicked!!!) Family vacation means different things to different people, if parents and kids are happy that's a great vacation to us. But these posts are why I don't like to answer on the family boards, even innocent posts get over analized by the moral and parenting police. Lighten up, I for one don't think "disneychrista" meant any harm, she gave 3 options and then said she would take her kids to dinner. We all parent our own ways, I hope my kids don't end up on Dr. Phil, but we love to go to Dis with and without them. And if you get to go to Dis--just be Happy not Grumpy!!!

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

Are you staying at WL? If so I'd probably feel comfortable leaving an 11 year old (well certain 11 year olds, there's huge variations in maturity) alone with instructions NOT to open the door to anyone, and to call my cell if they were uncomfortable about anything. If I was leaving the resort altogether I'd probably either bring the child or hire a babysitter or maybe take them on a tour of Cub's den to see if I could change their mind.

 

[Mom to Jordan]

I would now leave my 13 year old in a room at the same hotel we are dinning at and we did consider doing it when he was 12 but he decided to go with us to dinner and that was fine with us. We too were at the WL. Don't think I would concidered it much younger but if I was to do it ,WL is where I would do it. Smaller resort and everyone in the same building. My suggestion would be to use the kids club but to get her something new that she could spend time doing if she really would end up board which I really doubt will happen.Perhaps get her a disney bead making kit or a new game for her gameboy if she has one. You might enjoy your dinner better knowing that she is in good hands. WE checked out the club one eveing and they had a huge assortment of art supplies that should keep her happy and if she is like most girls that age she might enjoy helping with the younger kids.

Have fun. We love WL!!!!!

Jordan's mom

 

[disneychrista]

Let's all play nice and no name calling.

I agree. So please stop saying I am a flamer when I have done no such thing. And if you are going to quote, quote the entire idea. You forgot the part where I was making fun of the idea that ANYONE was a bad parent for doing what THEY felt was right for THEIR child.

With all this reading into my posts, that you are a bad parent for using day care, it almost makes me think that maybe you are feeling a little guilty for doing so.

And guess what I am such a "bad parent" that I tentively plan to leave my kids home (with their dad) while I go to Disneyland alone. No worry's about needing day care for a nice dinner w/o kids.

 

[NotUrsula]

The average 11 yo will usually reconsider a kid's club when they hear these magic words: UNLIMITED FREE ARCADE GAMES!

I'm not sure that all the clubs have them, but some of them do. (I know for sure that NLC does.) The arcade area in the clubs that have one is a separate little niche, nice and dim and away from the little guys. The games are all suitable for kids, and they can play all evening without spending a dime.
There are also regular console video games, though most of those are the sort to appeal to the younger crowd.

Play the video/arcade game card and see if that changes her mind about how babyish the club is likely to be. Personally I'm thinking that a kid who thinks he/she is too old for a kid's club is likely to really choke on the idea of having a personal babysitter come to the hotel room.

 

[newholidayx2]

Liz - Ive met you and know you're a good mother. Your beautiful well-behaved daughter is proof of that! Go, have fun. You have a good head on your shoulders - you know what will be best for your DD. And she's mature for her age so will be able to handle whatever you decide.