Would you do this?

[zakatak]

Opinions needed:

Would you let your 15 year old son & 12 year old daughter "babysit" two 10 year old girls in your Villa at a hotel when you went to dinner down the road (about 15 minutes away)?

I'm leaning towards yes since I don't have a problem doing this at home however there is something in my gut that is saying "no". Not sure why - as they have full access to running around the Dream (coming and going at their pleasure) and they stay at home "babysitting" often.

Opinions?

 

[Donaldswife]

Personally, I would say no. On a ship there is really nowhere they can go (without jumping into the ocean!) but in a strange city with strangers all around I would probably err on the side of caution and have them come with us.

Just to add, I would not think badly or judge someone that DID let them stay and babysit. This one is a comfort level thing, and I am not there yet!

 

[java]

What villa? Where is it? Are they responsible?

I would in general. But not knowing the specifics like where and can you put a dead bolt/chain on the door might change my yes.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Yes I would provided I trusted my kids to behave and watch out for the 10yos.

 

[mamacatnv]

I would not consider it babysitting - sounds like 2 sets of parents want to go to dinner and will be leaving the kiddo's behind to hang out together.
Given the ages, I see no issue unless the younger set are out of control beasts that the oldest would not know how to handle

 

[5lilfish]

Will the cell phones work?

We are letting our 14 yr old and 13 yr old watch the younger 3, after the youngest ones are in bed, on an upcoming trip. They will have a cell phone and all 4 adults will each have a cell phone. We will be in the same hotel though (but it is a huge hotel). They babysit at home. The door will be locked and they know the rules. We will get them a pay-per-view rental and probably be back before the movie ends.

Jess

 

[shirleyb]

At 15 years old? Absolutely.

 

[zakatak]

The resort would be the Ron Jon Resort in Cocoa Beach. I do believe there are bolts & chains on the door and my children are very responsible. My worries do not come from what THEY would do but rather what could happen to them.

We definitely could take them to dinner but it's at a higher end, fancier restaurant and they honestly would be bored and probably not like anything on the menu (with the exception of the 12 year old). They would have more fun hanging at the Villa eating pizza and watching a movie than be dragged to a restaurant with 4 adults and boring food (their opinion not ours ).

That's the dilemma.

PS... the restaurant is the Fat Snook in Cocoa Beach in case anyone is familiar with it.

 

[LuvLDM]

Assuming the kids are trustworthy & sensible I would not have a problem w/ it.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I just looked up the restaurant. YUMMMY!

My dd's (14 & 19) would kill someone to eat there, rather than stay back at the hotel and eat pizza.

 

[Magpie]

The resort would be the Ron Jon Resort in Cocoa Beach. I do believe there are bolts & chains on the door and my children are very responsible. My worries do not come from what THEY would do but rather what could happen to them.

We definitely could take them to dinner but it's at a higher end, fancier restaurant and they honestly would be bored and probably not like anything on the menu (with the exception of the 12 year old). They would have more fun hanging at the Villa eating pizza and watching a movie than be dragged to a restaurant with 4 adults and boring food (their opinion not ours ).

That's the dilemma.

PS... the restaurant is the Fat Snook in Cocoa Beach in case anyone is familiar with it.

I would allow it, no problem. After all, they're not completely alone in a resort. There ARE staff around to help them, if they need help. They're actually less isolated than they would be in a typical family home - and there's four of them!

I'd make sure they have a cell phone (or two) and know how to reach us. Then I'd go out and enjoy my adult evening.

Think about it this way - what EXACTLY is your worst case scenario? What are you afraid could happen to them? Figure it out, and then make sure the kids know what to do, if it ever happens.

 

[Hannathy]

Why wouldn't you? And I'm particularly wondering about it when there is a 15 yr old there! A 15 yr old! It wouldn't even cross my mind to think about it with a person that old. I'd let the 12 and 10 yr olds stay alone actually.

 

[GothTink]

Enjoy your dinner. Everything will be fine.

 

[NEM]

I would say no, only because of this statement in your post....

Opinions needed:

I'm leaning towards yes since I don't have a problem doing this at home however there is something in my gut that is saying "no".

Opinions?

I have long ago learned to listen to my "gut" and it does not always make sense at the time, but when something doesn't feel right, I dont need to know the reason, I try to listen to it. You can say no and not have to have a reason.

Pay attention to your instincts. Even if they dont seem logical at the time.

If in your "gut" you think it is fine, then go for it...but listen to your gut...either way.

 

[golfgal]

I would have zero issues letting either of my 15 year olds "babysit" a 12 year old and a couple 10 year olds in a hotel room like this. They are old enough to figure out what to do in situations as needed.

 

[horseshowmom]

I would not consider it babysitting - sounds like 2 sets of parents want to go to dinner and will be leaving the kiddo's behind to hang out together.
Given the ages, I see no issue unless the younger set are out of control beasts that the oldest would not know how to handle

I agree completely.

I'd make sure they have a cell phone (or two) and know how to reach us. Then I'd go out and enjoy my adult evening.

Think about it this way - what EXACTLY is your worst case scenario? What are you afraid could happen to them? Figure it out, and then make sure the kids know what to do, if it ever happens.

And with this too.