I have an 11yr old, 6 and 3. My husband and I are thinking maybe we could finally ride a ride together, since we always use the switch pass. Our idea: At a time when 3yr old is napping in the stroller, find a bench to park ourselves at (of course, a bench very near the ride). Leave 11 yr old, breifly, to "babysit" for the lenght of our ride. We have left her with the 6 yr old at times, to run get milk, short trips like that. I know she would not leave the spot, and we have taught her all the safety issues; strangers and such. I would like any thoughts on this. Thanks:)

I'll warn you now, you probably opened a huge can of worms with that question. Just don't take anything to heart if someone lectures you - which I have seen also.

But I will also say that the 11 year old should be ok to watch your other child for a brief time. From what I have read on these boards, Disneyland is fairly safe when it comes to letting kids go off on rides (in groups of two or more - in some cases alone). I would also say, you know your 11 year old better than anyone else. If you can trust him/her to do this, then enjoy your ride!

Wherever you park them, make sure they can see a CM working so they know exactly who to go to if something is wrong.

I have an 11yr old, 6 and 3. My husband and I are thinking maybe we could finally ride a ride together, since we always use the switch pass. Our idea: At a time when 3yr old is napping in the stroller, find a bench to park ourselves at (of course, a bench very near the ride). Leave 11 yr old, breifly, to "babysit" for the lenght of our ride. We have left her with the 6 yr old at times, to run get milk, short trips like that. I know she would not leave the spot, and we have taught her all the safety issues; strangers and such. I would like any thoughts on this. Thanks:)You know your child best. If you feel your child is capable of handling the situation, then go for it. I have a child that was born going on 35. I had no problems with her watching younger sibs and nieces/nephews at 11. One issue you need to address will not involve the 11 yo with the 3yo, but the 6yo. This is Disneyland. Will the 6yo wait without an issue? Or will the 6yo try the "I want to see XYZ, its right over here..." and wander off. Will the 6yo listen to the 11yo without creating more issues? My older daughter was enough of an authority figure even her older brother would listen to her, but like I said, she was born 35. That is what would concern me more than the 3yo. If it was just the 11yo and 3yo, I doubt I would have as many concerns.

I agree that you know your children the best. I would trust an 11 year old more than a 6 year old but if your 11 year old has a firm grip and is respected by the younger siblings as an authorative figure go for it. I also like to suggestion of parking them where there is a cm in site, which is pretty much everywhere.

To minimize the time they have to wait, make sure you get a fastpass!

If you know that your 11 yo can handle it, then go for it. I like the idea of pointing out a CM to them and maybe having those family radios so that they can get ahold of you if needed?

I was going to just walk away from this thread because I can't see why you need strangers to give you permission to parent. But having thrown that disclaimer out there, here's another view. You have already said you currently use the Disney rider switch....and want to ride together. Let's skip just how fair is it to leave an 11 year old in charge of the younger siblings for up to an hour in Disneyland of all places, and I use the hour mark to include the time you get them settled, go get in line even with a fast pass, ride the attraction then return to where you have them parked. This is not the same as leaving the 11 year old at home with the six year old while you run to the market with the 3 year old for a few things. This is Disneyland. Lots of things can and do 'go wrong' all the time. What happens if the attraction should break while You are onboard, and that 5 minute ride is now 45 minutes while they walk everyone off? What happens if the 3 year old wakes up and freaks out because they are all in an unfamilar environment and no parent in sight? What happens if the 11 year old is busy with said 3 year old and the six year old decides to pull a 'wow look over there' and wanders off while her attention is on a crying sibling....

Other people have said it best, only you know your own children well enough to decide but I don't think you've taken all the variables into consideration here.

Even if no one had pointed out the potential for problems, chances are good that it would be in the back of your mind during the entire time you are away from your kids and would limit your enjoyment.

A better approach may be to talk to parents of your kids' friends -- maybe you'll get lucky and find another family who you know well who is also planning a DL trip. Teaming up to watch each other's kids here and there would be much more fun.

Have you asked your 11yo if this is something he/she is willing to do? Are you sure your 11 yo will feel comfortable babysitting 2 small children in a crowded place? What is she going to do if the 3 yo wakes up crying and confused wanting mom and dad? How will she deal with the bored 6 yr old if she decides to throw a tantrum at the same time?

I'm not saying your 11 yo old can't handle it. I'm just saying that it is an awful lot to ask of a child that age. Also, I should point out that I am not a fan of parents expecting older siblings to babysit, especially w/o compensation. Perhaps let it be your 11 yr old's decision and then give her some extra spending money for having to babysit your kids while you go on the ride.

Thanks for both sides of the coin. Very good ideas and points to consider. I don't usually look to others on how to parent but talking with others and hearing experiences others have had help me to make my decisions. We would only consider this if lines were very short and would not consider leaving her with them for as long as an hour :eek: Honestly, I hadn't thought of the ride breaking down or something to delay us. Maybe we'll consider something like Pinocchios Work Shop. And before I get yelled at for wanting to leave my kids while hubby and I act young hearted and want hit a couple of rides together, know that the children will be the better for it. Thanks again for the very usefull info. :D

I think that your consideration of the workshop is really an excellent solution. I don't know the age requirements but I can appreciate wanting just a little 'adult' time while on vacation. I think that if you have the kids settled in an activity that's being supervised by responsible adults then you can honestly appreciate the time you've allotted for you and your hubby. There's nothing wrong with wanting that at all.

Maybe we'll consider something like Pinocchios Work Shop. And before I get yelled at for wanting to leave my kids while hubby and I act young hearted and want hit a couple of rides together, know that the children will be the better for it. Thanks again for the very usefull info. :D

I don't see anyone here yelling but we Padders do tend to freely give our opinions when they're asked for. :D

You don't need to use any sort of rider switch on Pinocchio's Workshop: everyone can ride on it.

Personally, if the point is to sit next to your husband on a ride, I can think of many rides you can sit together with the kids on the same ride: Pirates, the Train, Casey Jr, Storybookland, Monorail, Carrousel, Jungle Cruise, the Tiki Room, Mark Twain, Soarin' over California (if the 3 y/o is 40 inches,) and so on.

I adore my husband to pieces but I wouldn't leave my kids alone just to ride a ride with him. The potential cost-benefit ratio doesn't work for me. And I've been in the position to have a 13-year-old watch my 7 and 4-y/o's at the park with me. Even really really responsible kids can run into unforeseen challenges at theme parks, even in rather routine-for-a-theme-park situations. Adding to Mammasilva's scenario (or amending it)- What happens if a younger child suddenly has to go to the bathroom.... 5 minutes ago?

Adrienne

I left my 8 month old with my husband while I rode Splash. Husband is 35, so I trusted him, but still felt wierd about it the whole time. Splash broke down, a thunderstorm started and it was painfully obvious she was hungry (if you know what I mean). So, what can go wrong will. Maybe Pinocchio is a good idea. Good Luck and have a great time!!!

I think Pinocchio's Workshop in GCH is an excellent solution! The kids like likely have a great time... and so will you and hubby!

Re: Pinocchio's Workshop.

I could be mistaken, but I meant the Workshop they have at GCH. Have never used it but read about it once. Maybe it has been discontinued. But, what I recall, it was a place parents could take their kids, for a fee of course, within the hotel and the kids get to do crafts and such while parents go to dinner or something. Anyone else here of this?

Yes, truley, thanks for the things I didn't consider, regarding delays on rides, weather, etc. I want this to be a great time for all of us and not put my 11 yr. old in any incomfortable or uneasy situations on her vacation. (As well as the 7, turns today, and 3 yr. old.) ;)

Re: Pinocchio's Workshop.

I could be mistaken, but I meant the Workshop they have at GCH. Have never used it but read about it once. Maybe it has been discontinued. But, what I recall, it was a place parents could take their kids, for a fee of course, within the hotel and the kids get to do crafts and such while parents go to dinner or something. Anyone else here of this?

Yes, truley, thanks for the things I didn't consider, regarding delays on rides, weather, etc. I want this to be a great time for all of us and not put my 11 yr. old in any incomfortable or uneasy situations on her vacation. (As well as the 7, turns today, and 3 yr. old.) ;)



Our very own AdrienneK did an article on the workshop for MousePlanet...

Here (http://www.mouseplanet.com/akrock/ak010706.htm) is a link to the information.

Duh. Workshop, not Ride, Adrienne....

You probably saw the link already but your three-year-old would be too young for Pinocchio's Workshop. I know someone posted last year that she used a babysitting service out of Fullerton where the sitter came to the hotel room and watched a child in the room. No services will watch children in the parks.

Adrienne

Just my two cents. And ofcourse remember you know your kids best.


I don't think its wrong to do but I personally would not allow my 11 year old to watch kids of any age. Him by himself sure but its asking a lot of a 11 year old to be incharge of younger kids.

When are you going to be in the park from the helpfullness of this sight I am willing to bet you could find someone here that will be there the same time as you and would not have a problem keeping an eye on them for 20 minutes to a hour why you rode a ride or two. Not really even babysit let the 11 year old feel responsibale its good for them to learn and feel that way. but let her know that they are right there if she needs them.

From all of your helpful responses, I have come to the conclusion we still have more wonderful years before we can look foward to some alone time. Our kids are great and we will have a wonderful time, even if we have to take turns (hubby and I) on the "big" rides (11 yr old still won't go on Indy....I KNOW!!!). We've been doing it for a some time now.

I know a family whose teenage daughter would accompany families on their vacations as a babysitter.

When the family was together, it was nice to have a set of extra arms. She slept in the children's room, so the parents could have a little alone time.

One night, the parents would go out and leave the children in the hotel with babysitter and dinner. This girl bought her own pager to give to the parents. If there was ever any trouble, she could page them.

The kids had a hotel party and thought it was great fun.

She made some good money and got to see fun places. And made a good living during her high school years.

I was going to just walk away from this thread because I can't see why you need strangers to give you permission to parent. But having thrown that disclaimer out there, here's another view. You have already said you currently use the Disney rider switch....and want to ride together. Let's skip just how fair is it to leave an 11 year old in charge of the younger siblings for up to an hour in Disneyland of all places, and I use the hour mark to include the time you get them settled, go get in line even with a fast pass, ride the attraction then return to where you have them parked. This is not the same as leaving the 11 year old at home with the six year old while you run to the market with the 3 year old for a few things. This is Disneyland. Lots of things can and do 'go wrong' all the time. What happens if the attraction should break while You are onboard, and that 5 minute ride is now 45 minutes while they walk everyone off? What happens if the 3 year old wakes up and freaks out because they are all in an unfamilar environment and no parent in sight? What happens if the 11 year old is busy with said 3 year old and the six year old decides to pull a 'wow look over there' and wanders off while her attention is on a crying sibling....


Since the original poster has made their decision I'll just throw this out for anyone else considering this. If things do go wrong and your children are found alone by CMs it could be considered child abandonment.

A few years ago some not really thinking parents left their sleeping toddler alone in a stroller while they went and rode a ride. They got to have a nice visit with Anaheim Police when they came looking for their "missing" child.

I personally don't know your 11 year old so I can not judge and say if he or she is okay with at younger child.
But I used to be a Disney cast member and if a small child was left alone with another child and they did not appear to be 12 legally we are supposed to call security.
Now did we do that all the time? NO The only time most cast members would do such a thing is when the older child seemed to not have control of the situation. But california law does state that a child must be 12 in order to watch a younger child.
I hope this helps.
toursbabe

I personally don't know your 11 year old so I can not judge and say if he or she is okay with at younger child.
But I used to be a Disney cast member and if a small child was left alone with another child and they did not appear to be 12 legally we are supposed to call security.
Now did we do that all the time? NO The only time most cast members would do such a thing is when the older child seemed to not have control of the situation. But california law does state that a child must be 12 in order to watch a younger child.
I hope this helps.
toursbabeYou may be confusing "labor laws". Children must be 12 to be hired to watch children legally. There is no "law" as to how old a child must be left alone with a younger child. According to the police in our area (No CA) it is based on maturity and being able to answer specific questions if the police are called to the situation.

I'll give you the perspective of someone who was asked to do this when she was 11. My grandparents took my brother (9 at the time) and I, along with the 3- and 7-year old children of some friends, to a kids museum in Los Angeles. Then the adults went to get lunch at a nearby restaurant, leaving us alone in the museum. Of course, they told us to stay together, and told the younger kids to listen to me.

My brother, bored with the little kid exhibits, decided to take off on his own. And when I say take off, I mean the kid LEFT THE MUSEUM. I saw him through the glass, but what was I supposed to do - drag the littles through downtown LA as I chased after him? In retrospect, I SHOULD have called a guard or someone to go get him while I waited with the kids, but instead I told the 7-year old to watch the 3-year old and I went after my brother. I caught up to him and pretty much dragged him back to the museum, where we discovered that they didn't allow re-entry without the original tickets - which my grandparents had with them. We had to wait for our grandparents to come back, all the while the two younger kids were inside on their own. Fortunately, (I guess), my grandparents had seen my brother and I on the street, and knew something was wrong, so had come right back.

I remember that day with such shocking clarity, because it was a horrid situation. My grandparents were furious - not with my brother, but with ME. It was entirely too much to expect of an 11-year old, and I was also "born 35." I wouldn't put your child in that position in an unfamiliar place. A local library or park, somewhere all of your children are comfortable, might be a different story, but there's too much at Disneyland to cause even "well behaved" children to do things they normally would not do.

AVP