Who do you let swim in your child's pool?
By gapeach65
@gapeach65 (805)
United States
May 30, 2007 8:32am CST
I have babysat our neighbors daughter for several years, she is a year older than my son (they are now 9 and 10). For the past few years I have put out a small pool for them. Every time they get out in it, every kid from the neighborhood shows up to swim, even the ones that don't have anything to do with them any other day of the year. My son is kind to everyone so he lets them swim. Every year the pool gets torn up, not to mention the yard. Last year we didn't have a pool and the same kids came to see when we were getting a pool. We told them we didn't have one (last year), so when some of them got one my son asked them if he could swim and they told him no, it was only for them. This year I got a little larger pool, I have told my son and neighbors daughter that they (plus two other specified children) were the only ones allowed in the pool. I'm just tired of the other neighbors and their children taking advantage of us (and my son). Do you let every body who wants to swim into your swimming pool or do you set limits?
4 people like this
8 responses
@catherIN (430)
• United States
23 Jul 07
I agree with what you are now doing. We do have a pool. Yes,limits are set. We have 5 children still at home.That is a pool full there! There is no way I will be responsible for a bunch of kids in the pool.I babysit 2 of my great nephews. They are allowed in the pool when I am babysitting. My grandkids are allowed in the pool IF their parents are going to be watching them.
I do have strict rules on the behavour in my pool or in my yard.If they are doing anything that is destructive or could cause injury to theirself or someone else, I tell them to stop. If they don't stop, it's out of the pool or if it's my yard, they go home.
That being said, I am not mean.It's just I don't see any reason for children [or adults] to be allowed to walk all over anyone.
@Angelwhispers (8978)
• United States
1 Jun 07
I tell my 12 year old that he may only have 2 guests at any one time in the pool. The children in our neighborhood has gotten use to this by now, and know me as the mother of all rules. I expect when the children are playing in the yard that they obey my boundaries and I have no problem shooing them home when they do not. The pool can be a dangerous place for children to play even small pools if there are no boundaries and I have found more than 3 children you start losing control of situations.
1 person likes this
@creematee (2810)
• United States
30 May 07
I wouldn't let other children in the pool. If they aren't invited, and something happens, guess who's STILL liable?? You are. I would very politely tell the children that they must go home, and stay out of your pool.
We had a large pool in our first house. The previous owners showed us a contract that they made up and every kid that wanted to swim in the pool HAD to have not only their signature, but their parent's siggie as well. This kept the liablity off their shoulders, let the parents know that you didn't want to be a babysitter, and not be responsible for their kids. You could also add a clause that any damage done by the uninvited children must be replaced by those children.
I'm assuming that the other children are about the same age as your kids. They should know boundries by now. (my kids do, and they are 8, 6, & 2)
Good luck and I hope you have great summer!!!!
1 person likes this
@lightningMD (5931)
• United States
30 May 07
I set limits. For one thing the liability of letting kids swim is high. I always told the neighborhood kids they could swim if one of their parents wanted to come supervise them. Ofcourse the parents never wanted to do that. I would buy a huge pool if I was you just to make those rotten neighbor kids jealous. I wouldnt allow them to use your Son any longer either.
@Rickrocks8 (1751)
• United States
30 May 07
GODD FOR YOU! I'm so glad you stuck up for yourself! That is just rude and wrong for those other kids. People do not teach their kids anything these days!
1 person likes this
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
1 Jun 07
I don't have a pool but if I did I would set limits for sure. You are right for the limits you have set this year. It is a good lesson for the kids to learn as well.... set limits and boundaries around how you will let others treat you.
@stribijev (229)
• Poland
30 May 07
Well, I would certainly let them swim together, that is REAL FUN!!! Unfortunately, I've got no pool of my own :(
1 person likes this
