Well, it's finally summertime: Most of you are out of school and free to do whatever you want. The downside is, so is your younger sibling (or siblings), and all they want to do for the next two and a half to three months is hang out with big bro' or big sis. And while attention from younger siblings can be gratifying and sweet, it can also cramp your style. We sympathize. You're not a bad person.
But the question still remains: How do you get through the summer without spending all of it providing free child care? We've got a few ideas.
Retail day care. Did you know most IKEA stores have day care centers that will take care of younger children while you shop? All you need to do is sign them in and enjoy your freedom indefinitely. What's that you say? You don't want to spend the summer looking at inexpensive Swedish furniture? Well, there's no law that says you have to stay in the store the whole time (at least, we don't think there's such a law). There may be laws saying you have to pick the kid up before the store closes, though, so you should probably ask about the store policy.
The silver screen sitter. This isn't hard; all you need to do is buy your young charge a ticket to Up while you take in Drag Me to Hell. Not advisable if your little hanger-on has a fear of dogs, though. Some of those canine pursuit scenes can get a little intense. Actually, come to think of it, the goat in Drag Me to Hell is probably cuddlier.
The dog park. More than likely, your city has an area where lots of people bring their small, noisy creatures to run around, sniff each other, and try to eat things they shouldn't. Sounds like just your little sibling's speed, right? Plus it's a great way to cure him of that pesky fear of dogs.
The kiddie pizza palace. There's always, always any number of munchkin birthday parties you can help your little brother or sister crash. You think there's anyone there who knows all the kids who were invited? Heck no, and there's always room for one more. Eventually your younger sibling will become expert at "floating," which refers to one of those kids who everyone thinks is with one of the other parties.
Have your own ideas? Share them in the comments. Or better yet, sit your younger sibling down in front of the computer and tell her not to move until she's thought of ten.
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