Babysitting age?

blueboxgeek
blueboxgeek Posts: 574 Member
in Chit-Chat
What do you think an appropriate age for a babysitter is?

Me and my hubby would love to go for a jog together. I think it would help both of us as we would encourage each other and push each other to go a bit further, bit faster etc.

We have two boys aged 8 and 5. They go to bed at 7pm and normally watch a DVD until 8pm when the TV goes off.

We were thinking if we could get a babysitter for just that hour, two or three times a week then it would be cheaper than a gym membership and give us a chance to work out together.

My sister has said that her son would do it for some spending money. They live on the same street as us so that would work out well and we obviously know and trust him. BUT.....he is only 14 yrs old. He's a pretty average 14yr old lad, spends a lot of time playing computer games and chatting football with his friends on Facebook. I wouldn't say he is particularly mature or immature for his age. Around average.

I know I definitely would not feel comfortable enough to have him babysit all night, like if we were going out for the evening, but I don't know about for an hour.

For other parents out there, what age would you allow someone to take care of your kids for an hour?

Replies

  • suleng
    suleng Posts: 11 Member
    I would say try your sister's son, especially if they live so close and you always have the back up of him being able to call your sister to help out if he can't cope.

    It depends how responsible he is, I leave my 14 year old at home with my 12 year old to pop to the shops or pick hubby up from the train station, because he is sensible and I trust him. We have the "don't answer the door" rule though!!
  • Timelordlady85
    Timelordlady85 Posts: 797 Member
    since its only an hour a few times a week, I think your 14 old nephew should be plenty capable of watching your kids while you workout. At that age I was already helping watch my younger siblings on a regular basis if needed.
  • Sinisterly
    Sinisterly Posts: 10,913 Member
    I was doing it at age 11. As long as the child is mature and knows how to make educated choices, is all that matters.

    Edit: Get a nanny cam if you must.
  • michellemybelll
    michellemybelll Posts: 2,228 Member
    i started babysitting at age 12 for some of the neighborhood kids and some of my parents' friends. i think a 14 y/o should be fine.
  • blueboxgeek
    blueboxgeek Posts: 574 Member
    Thanks everyone for your replies. I was also babysitting at 12/13 and that was while my aunt was out the whole evening and the kids were very young (still nappy age) so hopefully he will be fine.

    I'll try it out and see how it goes. It will only be an hour max and my sister is literally two minutes along the road. I'll make sure I leave phone numbers and tell him not to answer the door.
  • Keepcalmanddontblink
    Keepcalmanddontblink Posts: 718 Member
    Someone else already pointed out that since he lives close by, he could have backup if needed, so it sounds like your nephew would be a great choice. Just lay down some rules for when he is over to avoid any emergency situations. ex, no cooking on the stove.

    If he turns out trustworthy, than you've found yourself a long term baby sitter.
  • whovian67
    whovian67 Posts: 608 Member
    In previous experience, it's all about maturity level . I would only trust someone that knows CPR or lifesaving skills. ( My boss' grandaughter just got her CPR card and she's 14)

    Some kids are really mature at 12 and can handle babysitting but there are 30 year olds I woundnt trust with my kids :)
  • michellemybelll
    michellemybelll Posts: 2,228 Member
    In previous experience, it's all about maturity level . I would only trust someone that knows CPR or lifesaving skills. ( My boss' grandaughter just got her CPR card and she's 14)

    Some kids are really mature at 12 and can handle babysitting but there are 30 year olds I woundnt trust with my kids :)
    lol. you'll be hard pressed to find a middle schooler or early high school aged kid with those skills. i certainly was not CPR certified at age 12. In fact, I didn't first receive any CPR certification until after my undergrad years. Reality is important. lol
  • 120by30
    120by30 Posts: 217 Member
    In your situation, your nephew sounds like a perfect babysitter. I'm kinda jealous.
  • SunofaBeach14
    SunofaBeach14 Posts: 4,899 Member
    It depends, but check your state's law on this.
  • RaeLB
    RaeLB Posts: 1,216 Member
    The legal age to babysit is 12 years old where I live and I started babysitting when I was 12, including newborns. I don't have kids/plan on having kids but if I did I would never leave them with a 12 year old - what were those parents thinking? lol. I think at least 14 with CPR training is a minimum - if it's a infant I would say at least 18 with CPR training.
  • rebbylicious
    rebbylicious Posts: 621 Member
    My oldest daughter was red cross certified at 11- so she was left with her siblings for a quick run to the store etc. IT took a while before we would be gone more than 2 hrs.
    One of my daughters is 13 and I still don't trust her to be aware. It's all about knowing their maturity level.
  • blueboxgeek
    blueboxgeek Posts: 574 Member
    Do all you parents have CPR training?!? I've never had it, no one in my family has either! I don't know for sure but think most of my mummy friends haven't either.

    I'm in the UK so there is no state law on it. I don't think there is any legal age for a babysitter in the UK, I think the NSPCC recommends 13.

Categories