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Hopefulmama
LIF Adult
Member since 4/14 1014 total posts
Name:
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What age to babysit?
What age can someone start babysitting for you? I have 5 yo triplets and have the sweetest, smartest 13 yo niece. I've only ever used junior in HS or older, but my neice actually just got a paying job - $12/hour!- taking care of a 3yo and 1yo for 3 hours a day. At first I thought these parents who hired her must be crazy but she's been doing it for a few weeks without incident. I'm wondering if I can start using her for VERY local date nights 
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Posted 7/7/17 7:08 PM  |
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ANewDayHasCome
Love multiplies, not divides
Member since 11/12 14481 total posts
Name:
Me
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What age to babysit?
I think since your kids are 5 I would do it.
I would not feel comfortable leaving young toddlers with a 13 year old though.
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| Posted 7/7/17 7:36 PM |
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Dolphinsbaby
My 3 little guys!
Member since 12/10 2943 total posts
Name:
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Re: What age to babysit?
Since they are 5 and more independent, I think it would be fine. My niece and nephew have watched my kids when we went out locally. We waited until 8 because that's when my kids go to bed and were home by 11.
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| Posted 7/8/17 8:19 AM |
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Sparrow
LIF Adult
Member since 11/10 6826 total posts
Name:
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What age to babysit?
I believe it's illegal to leave children alone with anyone under 16 but I'd have to double check. Not sure if that's what you're asking though. I knew of people babysitting at that age when I was growing up.
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| Posted 7/8/17 11:44 AM |
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What age to babysit?
I think my mom used to have a few girls that lived next door babysit us when they were like 15-16 and we were maybe 5-6. I would do it. I'm actually have a 16 year old girl who lives across the street watch my twins for me 1-2 hours a week so I can just go get my nails done or coffee. More like a mothers helper for the summer and to help try and keep my mental sanity in check. My twins are 6 months. I always schedule her after they have eaten and stuff. If my kids were around 4 or 5, I would leave them with her, plus she is your family.
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| Posted 7/8/17 12:00 PM |
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ANewDayHasCome
Love multiplies, not divides
Member since 11/12 14481 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: What age to babysit?
Posted by Sparrow
I believe it's illegal to leave children alone with anyone under 16 but I'd have to double check. Not sure if that's what you're asking though. I knew of people babysitting at that age when I was growing up.
Nope.
OCFS is often asked questions regarding the appropriate age to leave a child alone, or what age is appropriate to allow a child to begin babysitting. There are no straightforward answers to these questions. All children develop at their own rate, and with their own special needs and abilities. Some children are responsible, intelligent, and independent enough to be left alone at 12 or 13 years of age. Likewise, there are some teenagers who are too irresponsible or who have special needs that limit their ability to be safe if they are left alone.
Parents and guardians need to make intelligent, reasoned decisions regarding these matters.
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| Posted 7/8/17 12:27 PM |
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Sparrow
LIF Adult
Member since 11/10 6826 total posts
Name:
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Re: What age to babysit?
Posted by ANewDayHasCome
Posted by Sparrow
I believe it's illegal to leave children alone with anyone under 16 but I'd have to double check. Not sure if that's what you're asking though. I knew of people babysitting at that age when I was growing up.
Nope.
OCFS is often asked questions regarding the appropriate age to leave a child alone, or what age is appropriate to allow a child to begin babysitting. There are no straightforward answers to these questions. All children develop at their own rate, and with their own special needs and abilities. Some children are responsible, intelligent, and independent enough to be left alone at 12 or 13 years of age. Likewise, there are some teenagers who are too irresponsible or who have special needs that limit their ability to be safe if they are left alone.
Parents and guardians need to make intelligent, reasoned decisions regarding these matters.
Interesting. Im going to try to figure out where I saw that.
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| Posted 7/8/17 1:43 PM |
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MrsT809
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 12167 total posts
Name:
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What age to babysit?
Our library offers a babysitters prep class. I was curious to see the ages it's for but there aren't any coming up. I did see that red cross offers one for ages 11-15.
Personally, it would depend on the age of the kids and the maturity of the babysitter. I babysat from a young age for my cousins but I can't remember how old I was alone with them vs more of a mother's helper. I'm guessing 14ish.
I would start with having her come as a mother's helper, let her take them in the backyard or something to give you a break and see how she handles them and decide from there.
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| Posted 7/8/17 1:58 PM |
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Aries14
Can't plan life...
Member since 8/08 2860 total posts
Name:
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What age to babysit?
I think three 5 year olds are a lot. I have a 5 year old and 7 year old and I wouldn't feel comfortable with someone that young watching them. I think 16/17 would be the youngest I would be ok with but I honestly haven't had anyone under the age of 20 watch my kids yet lol.
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| Posted 7/10/17 9:16 AM |
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itsagoodlife
LIF Adolescent
Member since 8/15 619 total posts
Name:
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Re: What age to babysit?
My son is 14 and he "babysits" my 12 year old and 9 year old.
Whoever posted that its "illegal" to leave a cuikd under the age of 16 home, please cite your source. My kids have been "home alone" since my oldest was 12. I started babysitting at 12 and my regular "babysitter" before my son was old enough started working for me when she was 13.
Message edited 7/10/2017 11:26:40 AM.
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| Posted 7/10/17 11:26 AM |
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LuckyStar
LIF Adult
Member since 7/14 7274 total posts
Name:
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What age to babysit?
I started babysitting infants when I was 12 and I look back and think those parents were crazy! It was always without incident and I took good care of the kids. I even cooked for the older ones.
I think 5 year olds with a mature 13 is fine if you're staying local.
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| Posted 7/10/17 11:43 AM |
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lightblue
LIF Adult
Member since 1/17 2249 total posts
Name:
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Re: What age to babysit?
I remember being 13 and babysitting my neighbor's kids. But they were older like around 6/7.
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| Posted 7/10/17 12:40 PM |
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nycgirl
Angels!
Member since 3/09 7721 total posts
Name:
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Re: What age to babysit?
I don't know... but I'd go on the older side if they will be without supervision (not a mother's helper).
Being home and responsible for yourself is very different than watching small children. I was home solo since JHS. How old is that? 10? 11?
I've seen some 12 year olds who were playing with my kids have very questionable judgement.
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| Posted 7/10/17 12:50 PM |
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PennyCat
Just call me mommy :)
Member since 7/08 19084 total posts
Name:
Jib
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Re: What age to babysit?
I think it's case by case. There are mature/capable 13yr olds and there are ones who are not. They're definitely not all created equal at that age.
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| Posted 7/11/17 8:59 PM |
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