What do you do when your oldest doesn't want a babysitter but your youngest still needs one?

This is a dilemma that many families encounter.  I have heard parents tell their oldest, “when you’re 13 you will be the babysitter” or something along those lines.  Well, 13 came and went and there was still a babysitter present.  I recommend, not making any promises as to when the oldest can be the babysitter and just wait until the time is right. This predicament rang true with my family, I am 8.5 years older than my brother.  So when I was 13 and didn’t want a babysitter anymore, my brother was 5-years-old.  Time to time my parents let me stay home alone with him, under certain circumstances. However, on a Friday night if I had my friends over, my parents knew I wasn’t going to be watching my brother.  Against my will, my parents would still get a sitter for my brother.  Take it from me; remind your oldest that having a babysitter isn’t a bad thing!

After my younger siblings went to sleep, I was allowed to stay up and watch a movie or play a fun game with my babysitter.  The Babysitting Company always brings age appropriate games, toys, movies, etc. to each assignment.  If you have an older child, make sure to let us know.  Tell us about what interests them, likes, dislikes, etc.  If they like to bake, they can make dessert together. We will bring magazines, crafts, games, books, movies, and make sure that the oldest child is not forgotten about.

The Babysitting Company also offers babysitters that are tutors!  Why not kill two birds with one stone and have your teenager finish up that essay or math homework with the babysitter.

Every situation is different, but remind your teenager that you do trust them and that it is not just the right time.  Maybe, you don’t want to put any pressure or too much responsibility on your child.  Having a babysitter isn’t embarrassing or childish, it will be fun and babysitters make great friends!  I know that some children look to their babysitters as a part of the family, and a sibling, that is always a positive and great experience.

Are you faced with this situation? How are you handling it? We hope we could help you and we look forward to your feedback.