5 Reasons Why Children Shouldn't Nanny Their Younger Siblings

If you’re a parent of multiple children, you’ve probably asked your oldest child to help out every once in a while. Whether it’s setting the table, loading the dishwasher or entertaining the baby of the family for a few hours. When a second child comes along, a whole lot of responsibility often gets passed down to the first born. More often than not, this includes babysitting. Your oldest child might seem like the natural choice to watch their younger siblings when you need a break, but forcing them to babysit might not be the best idea.

Here are five reasons why children shouldn’t nanny their younger siblings:

1. Age And Maturity Matters

Some states have minimum age requirements for leaving your child at home unattended. In states that don’t have age requirements, assessing maturity level is even more important. Even if your child is old enough to be left alone with younger siblings, make sure they’re mature enough and prepared enough to handle it, especially if an accident occurs.

2. Your Child Shouldn’t Be Acting As Another Parent

Asking your oldest child to help out around the house or help with their younger siblings is perfectly normal. But there is a line. Your child shouldn’t be helping out so much that they are acting as another parent. If you’re leaving your younger siblings in the care of your oldest child several times a week, you might be putting too much pressure on them.

3. Too Much Responsibility

There is such a thing as too much responsibility. Every parent can agree that it’s important to teach your child to be responsible. But if you’re constantly forcing them to watch or take care of their younger siblings, you’re causing them to miss out on something else that’s extremely important: being a kid. Forcing your child to watch his or her siblings on a regular basis can end up causing resentment, especially if they’re missing out on a fun time with friends because of it.

4. They Need To Know That Their Opinion Matters

If your 14-year-old daughter is a natural caretaker and loves watching over her younger siblings, she probably doesn’t mind much when you need a night off. But forcing your child to babysit can cause several problems. Your child needs to know that their opinion matters. Ask them how they feel about watching their younger siblings. Ask them if they feel prepared to handle any situation that might occur. Give them a choice in the matter instead of forcing the responsibility on them.

5. It’s Ultimately Your Responsibility

It’s important to remember that your older children are not at fault because you decided to have more children. Older siblings can help out, and they should, but ultimately, the responsibility is on you. Your older children are not responsible in any way for your younger children. Don’t forget that older siblings still need love and attention, even after the baby of the family comes along. Your kids only have a short time to be kids. Make sure you let them enjoy their childhood.