14 year old babysitter?

How old is your babysitter? I know that I babysat when I was 14, but not sure if things have changed. In my mail today, my neighbor across the street's daughter placed an index card introducing herself and saying she'd love to babysit. Attached to the card that told me about herself was a questionnaire for babysitting -- what time does my child go to bed, do they have any food allergies, emergency contact numbers of doctor and family members, etc. I was SUPER impressed! She's 14, and the oldest of 6 children. Her house is 2 houses down, so I'm assuming if she babysat for me and anything happened, her parents would likely be home to help out in a pinch. DH and I would love to go out and grab dinner/see a movie every now and then without having to ask/expect family members to help out. DD is 3 months old. Would you give the girl a try?!?!

14 year old babysitter?

I think 14 is fine for babysitting but not for a 3 month old. A toddler and older yes but too much could happen with an infant and I wouldn't be comfortable.

14 year old babysitter?

I personally wouldn't feel comfortable leaving a 3 month old with a 14 year old. I would use her more of as a mother's helper at that age. My DD is 4 and my babysitter is 22. I wanted someone 18 or older.

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Wow! That's very impressive and mature of her. I know I was 15 when I babysat newborn twins who were close family friends and never had an issue. However, I'm afraid I'm a tad hypocritical because I would not be so trusting. lol. DD is 4 and I still will not use anybody other than family. Even though I was a great babysitter as a teen and should be more open to it, I've just heard too many first-hand stories of bad things even good church girls have done. Some purposely, some accidental. So, nope. Won't even risk it. That said, even if I did know an awesome 14 yr old, I still wouldn't leave her with an infant.

Message edited 8/13/2015 5:08:46 PM.

14 year old babysitter?

There is no way I would leave my children with a 14 year old. Mothers helper sure, but not alone at that age. Once my girls are old enough to communicate with me sure. They could play games whatever.

14 year old babysitter?

We've only left DS a handful of times. The two times when he was under one, our babysitter was 19-20 years old. I watched toddlers when I was 12 or 13. I think I watched my first infan, who I was not related to, when I was 16. I watched my sister when she was an infant and I was 12/13, but that's probably different.

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14 year old babysitter?

Thanks for the feedback! I guess I was blinded a bit by her level of maturity and responsibility. I really was so impressed by what she did! Would any of you consider it if she came over later in the evening (around 8ish), and we had already put DD to bed and all she had to do was stay in the house and peek at the monitor? DD is an extremely sound sleeper, doesn't wake up in the night, and is down for anywhere from 8-9 hours. Does that change your decision?

Re: 14 year old babysitter?

I tend to be more laid back then most, so I would consider using a 14 year old. I would probably start by having her as a mothers helper just to get to know her and for her to get know the baby. Then I would go from there. Run out for an hour to get your nails done or go food shopping. Then you could build from there. And if you know your little one will sleep through the night, then as long as the 14 year olds parents were home, I would put the baby to bed and go out for a local dinner. As the trust builds and they both get older, you can start doing dinner and a movie or dinner and drinks. I think having a neighborhood babysitter is great!

14 year old babysitter?

I would do it that young if the baby is asleep. I would also have her come by when you are home to help and get to know each other. Everyone needs to start somewhere.

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I would do it. Especially if the baby is sleeping.

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I would not trust a 14 year old with my infant and toddler... if my kids were school age then that would be a different story.

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Re: 14 year old babysitter?

i would probably want to get to know her a little more. maybe have her come over a few times to help out and get to know you and your baby so she's comfortable. but the fact that she's 14 wouldn't bother me. especially because your baby would be sleeping and I'm assuming you wouldn't be far.

Re: 14 year old babysitter?

I was babysitting when I was around 12. I think if I had older children, I'd be more comfortable with a younger babysitter. I wouldn't leave my newborn home with a 14 year old, though.

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Re: 14 year old babysitter?

A three month old - No. But maybe a 9 month old, depending on how long and how far away you would be.

The youngest we ever had babysit for us was 15 yrs, DC was 6 months old, and we were 10 minutes away but i was still so nervous. She was a relative so we trusted her more than we would just a neighbor.

She does sound very mature, so I would definitely use her in the future.

14 year old babysitter?

I could be wrong but I thought it's illegal to leave a minor under the age of 16 alone caring for children. Does anyone know the laws?

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I personally would not leave an infant with a teenage babysitter.

We JUST recently started using our next door neighbor as a sitter for 1-2 hour stretches for my 4yo and 6yo boys. They are literally our next door neighbors so I know if something happened, teenager could go home and get her parent.

We only use her when DH and I want to run an errand without dragging kids along. i.e. car shopping, furniture shopping, etc. I always use her if I am taking one child to a birthday party and DH is busy and can't watch other child.

Kids absolutely adore our teenage neighbor.

Message edited 8/14/2015 6:50:47 PM.