So, we have a great deal on tix to a local amusement park to take our 6 yr old triplets to this summer. It is far enough away that we will need a hotel (pricier than we thought).
Trouble is, that when we went last year it felt like we could really use a 3rd person for some of the rides. Even if not all of them wanted to go on the ride it wasn't like we could just leave one of them there to wait while we stood in line and rode with the other 2.
I just wanted to get your opinion of what you would do as far as compesation for the 3rd adult/older teen.

We have a few options but haven't asked anyone yet.

The grandparents might be a possibility, and might be most open to helping with the cost of an additional hotel room, etc; but may also end up bringing his step-grandkids thus negating some of the helpfulness.

A niece or nephew might be able to help but they live pretty far away so would have to figure out how to get them here and back ($$$) They might be able to stay in the same suite as us though.

We also have a girl who was a GREAT sitter for us for several years. She started grad school in another state this yr. but might be back for the summer. Being in Grad school I'm sure she could not afford the hotel, but we would pay it for her as well as admission to the park. The trouble is, I'm not sure we could pay her any extra for her time. Would it just be fun for her to get to see the kids again; or would it be rude to ask her to do it for expenses only??? I do think that it would be fun for all of us if she did come, but am unsure of the ettiquette of it.....would it be rude to not pay her for her time when we would expect her help while we were at the park?

We need to make hotel reservations soon but are just not sure who to ask or how to handle it.

Thanks for reading and for your input,

Andi
g/b/g
triplets in kindergarten

Yes I would agree that a third person would be good. Many rides will let the kids on only with an adult. And if it has to be one child to one adult, or if one child doesn't want to go on, what do you do with the extra child? Also those places are just so busy and crowded it is challenging to keep track of everybody.

We have taken our former babysitter and paid her expenses but no hourly. It was not overnight. She was with us til about 2 pm when her boyfriend met up with us then we went home (YEA!!) and she took off with the boyfriend. That worked out well. She was also willing to go on some of the loopier rides that I would have baulked at riding.

It's all in how you invite her. You are not asking her to work, you are inviting her to accompany your family. And of course she would be your guest. You would ask her to be responsible for keeping an eye on one of the children, only in the park. At the hotel pool or restaurant you will be responsible for them all ....

I would think she will get what you are asking and will turn you down if she does not want to go.

Best Wishes,

Nancy

mom to beautiful BBG triplets, born February 2002 at 33 wks, 4 days

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I'm not sure how this would work with any of the teenage/college-aged babysitters we know.

I'm assuming you are going for at least one night, possibly a weekend? So you are asking her to come with you, help out with the kids at the park, and you'll pay for her admission. She'll need to eat the entire time, as well, that I'm sure you're paying for.

What is in it for the babysitter? If you take a grad student, she'll need the money. You are basically asking her to help out with the kids at the amusement park all day and you'll pay for her admission and food, but she gets nothing to put in her wallet after all is said and done.

Also, she'll be stranded at the hotel during the evenings or whenever you are not at the park. She's not getting paid. She can't make any money while she's away. She should have her own room for privacy.

I'm sure she loves your kids and would love to see them. But I'm not sure that a long, get-away weekend at an amusement park helping you is what she would want. She'd probably be just as happy to see them and get paid for an evening of babysitting closer to home.

Best wishes,

Sharon
13 year old b/b/b + 16 year old son

Thanks for the input ladies. It really does help. After talking to DH about it, decided we would ask my dad first. He has mentioned that he wishes we lived closer so he could do more with the kids so maybe this will be a good chance for him to do something with them.

If he can't do it, we may try asking the sitter. She does have some dietary issues that might make it a bit more complicated (gluten-free diet) but we have always gotten along well. Would have to think some more about the compensation side of it. I know grad students don't make much, but do think she would enjoy the trip.

Andi