My kids are ages 9 and 12, I don't mind the older kids over that my kids actually play with, but the younger sisters come over, too,(ages 3 and 4), and I wind up babysittting them. How do I ask their parents to only send their older kids over without upsetting or insulting them? Is it even proper etiquette? We usually have 8-10 kids over ages 3 to 11, only the 3 to 5 year olds are driving me to insanity. I used to enjoy them coming over occasionally-it's every day now. I want to throw up when I see the litttle ones at the door. Help please.
2007-03-21 13:50:08 · 6 answers · asked by Melissa C 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Well, you could have a talk with the parents. Tell them while you enjoy all the kids, you just can't keep an eye on them because you're so busy and you're afraid that because of their young ages, they might get hurt if they aren't supervised by an adult. Maybe they would understand that one day a week would be ok, then let your kids take turns visiting the other kids houses to play. That would give you a real break.
2007-03-21 14:00:35 · answer #1 · answered by Beckers 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tell their parents that if they are going to send the younger ones that they will need to start paying you to babysit as they are taking up alot of your time that you need for other things, If for some reason actually try to take you up on that come up with an outrageous amount of money. I had to do this several times when my husband deployed to Iraq because everyone said that I had nothing to do with him being gone (I worked 50-70 hrs a week plus had a 1 yr old in addition to my 9 yr old) Some people will just keep taking advantage until you make them stop. Remember they are the ones being jerks by sending preschool age kids over without asking (and I'm sure they didn't send snacks or anything either!)
Good luck and stand your ground!
2007-03-21 23:04:15 · answer #2 · answered by . 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't allow the little ones to come inside. Tell them the big kids are playing and they will have to go home and find something to play. I am always beside myself how parents can let little ones that young just roam around and not have a clue in the world about where they are or what they are doing.
Good luck!
2007-03-21 20:58:45 · answer #3 · answered by Raspberry 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
These people are ridiculous. Who in the world would send their three year old to someone elses house.
When these little ones come over, tell them that your kids can't play with them now because they already have company their own age. And send them on their way.
I had to lie to get out of babysitting my neighbor's kid after three months and I have been kicking myself ever since for not speaking up.
2007-03-21 20:58:28 · answer #4 · answered by Patti C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, their moms are really using you. You hate to see them show up & their moms probably can't wait to see them go to your house.
You need to take these kids by the hand & take them back to their moms! Tell them you are too busy to watch them.
2007-03-21 21:01:40 · answer #5 · answered by Michelle *The Truth Hurts 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just tell there parents it is getting to much and ask if your kids can go over there sometime
2007-03-21 21:32:19 · answer #6 · answered by donielle 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋