I babysit my two granddaughters Kenzie, 4, and Lexie, 21 months. Today Kenzie is supposed to go swimming with her pre school class at the high school pool. Lexie is sick. She has a fever of 101 and generally feels like crap.
Two other Moms have agreed to watch Kenzie in the pool because only the class is allowed to swim today. I would still have to drive her there and either wait an hour and a half or go back after that time to get her.
My daughter gave me the impression that SHE thinks that Kenzie should go but I hesitate to take Lexie out in out the damp, cold Michigan weather.
Here is my dilemma. Out of the four days that I baby sit, Tuesday is the only day that we don't have to do anything and can just relax all day. Am I being selfish by not wanting to take Kenzie to swim and using Lexie's illness to get out of it?. Frankly, she does NOT care one way or the other if she goes.
What would YOU do?
2007-02-27 01:30:48 · 19 answers · asked by AKA FrogButt 7 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
May be a "moot" point anyway. I can't find Kenzie's life jacket which is required.
AND I have been holding Lexie all morning.
2007-02-27 01:59:00 · update #1
I think your daughter has to take into consideration the health of Lexie. 101 temp is nothing to brush off. If Kenzie really doesn't care about going swimming, then why take them out.
I live in Michigan also. My daughter is 20 months. I have been trying to find ways to get her out of the house to play with other children. Every time I take her to the play area at the mall or even a gym for kids, she always ends up sick. I realize the importance of interacting with other children, but sometimes it's best to keep them home.
Also if Lexie has a fever, then it could mean an infection of some sort, which means she could have infected Kenzie. I wouldn't take the chance on Kenzie infecting her other class mates. Even if she's not contagious, going from the pool out in the cold weather could lower her immune system and cause her to get sick as well.
You have a tough dilemma. I think if your daughter gave you responsibility of caregiver, then you have the right to make some decisions on their well being while the children are in your care.
2007-02-27 01:52:14 · answer #1 · answered by Melissa B 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think your being selfish at all. Afterall you do babysit your grandchildren, and take care of them, if the youngest is sick there is no reason to be bringing her in and out. I'm sure you can find something to do with Kenzie that will be fun and occupy the time she would have spent swimming. Maybe you two can bake some cookies together or something. Kids love doing that. Either way if you feel that the baby should not be going out, and Kenzie isn't going to throw a fit if she doesn't go, then stay put at home.
2007-02-27 01:43:56 · answer #2 · answered by peyton31602 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well i wouldnt say you are being selfish you do have a point about lexie being sick and i agree that if she has a fever and is ill than she should not be out in the cold and damp weather.and if kenzie is not throwing a fit about going then i wouldnt worry about it,some times you have to make a choice that is best for the whole family and i think you not taking her out in the cold to make her even sicker is a good choice.If your daughter feels that kenzie really needs to go than let her take a couple hours off of work to make the sacrafice for both children involved,so that you may keep the sick child in Good luck
2007-02-27 01:42:11 · answer #3 · answered by Sunshine 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well if i was you i would as kenzie what she wanted to do..i think she really wants to go but she is not letting you know that. cause just think when you was that young did you not want to do the same thing as your class mates? i know i did..and just think you take her there and then come home rest and then go get her whenever she is done. that will give you time for yourself and that Will let her be with her classmates all at the same time. i know you said that Lexie is sick but make sure she is good and warm before you take her out and then take her a blanket and she should be fine. she is running a low grade fever so you should be fine...hope i helped!!! good luck!
2007-02-27 01:41:42 · answer #4 · answered by amber c 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would not take a sick child out in the State of Michigan today. I agree with you Grandma. Its nasty out there. Also while the child may enjoy the pool she has to come out of there with wet hair etc. There is also that Norovirus going around and thats bad with vomitting and diarreah. I guess I would call your daughter and just discuss it with her. If you cant call her then just do what you think is best and if your daughter says anything then tell her that you did what you thought was best. She should understand. My Mom watches my kids and that is what I would expect her to do- whatever she thinks is best. That is why is good to have a Mom who babysits we dont have to worry about them-so we can work with less guilt.
2007-02-27 01:43:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You feel guilty because you really don't feel like going to the pool and you have an excuse and want to get out of it! I feel for you. I have been there with my own kids.
This really comes down to your relationship with your daughter. Does she pay you do baby-sit? If she does, you probably should do as she wishes, since there is really no harm to the sick child as long as you are not standing outside for an hour and a half with her.
If you are babysitting for your daughter as a favor, then everything you do is a favor to her, and therefore essentially your choice. If you don't feel like doing it and you don't mind making your daughter cross with you, don't do it.
My mother-in-law babysits for me, and if she does not feel like doing something she tells me. Some days she says "I am tierd today. I will watch the baby for you, but I am too tierd to take her to ballet." I then have to make other arrangements if I want that thing to happen (ballet class, swimming, whatever).
Unless you are paid, you are in charge of your own time. You should respect your daughter's parenting decisions, of course, but you are not obligated to be a child taxi service. Your daughter will have a hard time finding a free babysitter, so you really have the authority in this situation.
2007-02-27 01:49:18 · answer #6 · answered by anne p 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stay home...sounds like u need the rest too. There'll b plenty of other times 4 swimming, & u don't need 2 get sick urself w/ur responsibilities. That's not being selfish, but rather smart. U've got 2 stay healthy 4 not only ur kids, but mainly 4 urself. look at like this...U OWE it 2 the 3 of u 2 take the best care of u all! (& yes, I am from the South.)
2007-02-27 01:43:36 · answer #7 · answered by nomutilation4me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should do what you want, it doesnt sound like the kids care and as its cold and the little one is ill then there is no better excuse! Only if you wont feel guilty about it later though or your daughter doesnt mind. Why not do something fun indoors for Kenzie instead?
2007-02-27 01:49:57 · answer #8 · answered by British*Bird 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it was me i wouldnt go out with a sick child and if the either child is not fussed weather she goes swimming then why bother, maybe she would like a day to relax too
2007-02-27 01:41:00 · answer #9 · answered by Annemarie E 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i would all stay home. u r not being selfish. u r doing whats best 4 lexie
2007-02-27 01:48:11 · answer #10 · answered by wakeupcall 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋