A strange request...

Consider how much they love their children, then recognize how highly they regard you and your family. There is a reason they have asked you to be a surrogate family for the week. It's an honor and certainly a testament to you and your wife. A big responsibility for sure, but also one they have decided you will not take lightly.
Our kids are everything. It speaks volumes about your character that they have asked you. Beer is on me if you and I are ever within a half day's drive of one another.

 

I have 3 kids: 13, 10 and 8. Normally, I’d say this is weird. However, my 13 year old has gotten to be really good friends with some girls on her volleyball team. I can see helping out with an older girl, if her parents were in a similar situation and no relatives were around. I don’t think I would do that with younger ones though.

 

It may be that this couple don't have close ties locally. Or, even if they have family, they may know skeletons in those closets that they would like to protect their own children from. I find that many military and first responders choose such professions because of their desire to help those that need protection. It also may be that they are considering the emotional development of their children and recognize that, so long as their physical needs are met (potential he buy others, not just you guys), what will make the biggest difference to the children, with both their parents gone at the same time, or especially if something delays their return, will be how emotionally safe their kids feel. if you guys are those current favorite among their parents adult friends, and they always look forward to spending time with your family because all the kids get along, those are some pretty significant protective factors.

While it seems not something I would do-- to reach out to new friends to care for my child, I have been tasked with doing this, and have done so on a few occasions, the first time when I was 19 years old, for several months. (Yes, that was damned weird. And more of a stretch than I guessed.) I did it then because I thought of that kid (who I'd never met) and figured, if his mom was willing to ask me when she barely knew me, who would she ask if I would not do it.)

You probably already thought of this but, if you agree, make sure both parents write and sign in their own handwriting, permission for both of you to grant medical care and make other custodial decisions in their absence. Obviously, have to prepare for worst-case circumstances.

 

And this. For sure!

 

Dual military families have a “Family Care Plan” in place. The FCP is required of all dual military or single parent military members. The care plan designates both short and long term arrangements and are typically enacted in this very scenario. Is it guaranteed when they’ll be coming home? You’re prior military, you know how that goes.

With that being said, it does speak volumes that you, your family, and environment are held in high enough regard for these people to trust you with their daughter. I don’t necessarily think it is strange; however, I do not think I could ask someone to do that. It puts you in a bad spot feeling obligated to say yes because it could be insulting to say no. But, depending on the friend, I’d probably say yes if they asked me.

 

I don't think it is that weird if you guys are family friends.

 

Couldn't be said/explained any better.

 

I do have experience with a similar situation. It turned out very well, but wouldn’t necessarily ask an acquaintance. A close friend.....all day long.

If we can’t help people out in a time like this, then what kind of people are we? I’m sure you’ll say yes

Would I have the balls to ask another family to do this? Depends how close we are.

By the way; stellar complement in you and your wife’s favor

 

Well said and I agreed 100%

 

Are they younger?, there is definitely a new style of parenting emerging. But regardless, we would welcome any children to stay, wouldn’t even contemplate it. Kids always deserve a safe place, in this case that’s you. That said, no I would not do that with mine, I’ve never had a babysitter, only family a few times.

 

I think everything ws said right here.
Where will she go if you don’t?I know it sucks feeling obligated. And it is kind of awkward. But you know you, and you know that you will take good care of that kid. I think that is worth a lot.

 

In their situation, I don't think it's weird. We have some friends with kids where I'd feel semi-comfortable leaving my daughters and whom I'd opt for before my own parents. Since the kids are friends, it should be a great time.... hopefully.

 

Now 13 and 15 my kids had a babysitter twice but she was the daughter of a very old friend and lived 4 doors away.

 

Roll nailed it and I couldn't say it any better. For them to trust you and ask that they definitely hold you in high regard. Plus the kids will think it's a blast.

 

^^THIS

 

Chris, obviously this young couple thinks highly of you and your family. If you decide to do this, I would recommend getting a power PoA for medical emergencies. All the times my boys went to FLA and TX, I thought my boys godparents were being silly. Guess what, the oldest needed stitches and that was the first thing out of the nurses mouth, my sis wasn't being silly. It made things a lot easier having that PoA.

 

This is a weird request. I only trust families with a tundra in the driveway
Ha ha just joking. im pretty sure you and your wife are great parents and everyone can see it

 

Standing by, waiting to babysit the Baby McFly's (rubs palms together, cackling)....

 

Rolodetective and Sunnier said it best IMO. Just being a consideration in a situation like that is an honer and shows your character. My hats off to you sir

 

Sunnier you have raised a great kid and drive a tundra. You can babysit anytime

 

Ok. Skipped over a few posts. Not weird at all. Just means that they trust you. We have friends that work for another agency that requires them both to travel at different times. We watch their 3 yr old daughter often. For days at a time on occasion. I’ve picked her up from preschool.
Just shows they trust your character and values. If it doesn’t bother you, don’t sweat it, you got another kid for a week.
Granted it’s easy for me, my kids already gone and just bought his first house. Having a little one around is fun......for a little while.

 

Its great to have friends who you would trust with your child. For my wife and i, usually we could not do it but if i had a slow workflow week then we could... If its an emergency then its just whatever it takes. It would be a cool experience for the kids and you become even better friends with the parents. Not everone can send the kid to grandparents house for the week/weekend.... I say it just depends on if you are up to the added responsibility.
Our 5 year old son is special needs so it would be a cool experience for him as he needs all the help with communication he can get.
I would have to be REALLY good friends with someone to let my kid stay with.

 

As others stated, I think their request speaks volumes of who the both of you are.

I understand the tough position they are in, and how helpful it would be for them, but personally I wouldn't do it. It's a lot of responsibility.

Remember the member on here who was helping his neighbor out by taking his dog out for him. The one day he slipped up and his own dog bit his neighbor's dog? Things got ugly quick.

I'm not trying to compare dogs to humans, but things can happen, think about what happened to your Tacoma the other day.

 

We trust our country to them (the parents)...feel honored that they are trusting you with their child. Be sure to get that power of attorney and a medical consent letter. Make it a special time.

 

Agreed on the honour part. My two cents is my wife and I barely let our parents watch ours haha. Mind you our daughter is 4 and son is 2... We may think differently when they are older. But at this point we’re weird about babysitters and what not. Cheers!

And in the same breath we feel weird about watching other kids to some degree also. Not that we won’t do it just for our close friends is all.

 

I agree with everyone who said it shows how highly they think of you and your family.

I think it would be hard for any parent to ask that of anyone, but with that being said they obviously feel your family would be a good fit and make their time away a little less stressful for their daughter.

Years ago I was asked by my elderly neighbor to become his grandaughters legal guardian/adoptve parent when he passed, she had lost both parents already. To this day I am still honored that he thought that much of me to ask. If I would of been in a better position I would of taken her in a heartbeat. I worked a swing shift, my kids still needed a babysitter and my family car was a two seater.

He was looking out for her best intrest and best family fit. He did find a nice couple who did a great job raising her.

There are medical releases that give you the right to have her treated if something would come up.
If your kids and the little girl all get along it could be an extended slumber party.

Kudos to your family, parenting done right when another family notices and trusts you with their little one.