2006-07-25 06:01:31 · 11 answers · asked by obsession0524 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
With some supervision, the youngest is 12. A babysitter shouldn't go without supervision (the first few days, staying around for a few hours, showing them the ropes; calls during the time to check up...) is 14.
But this also depends on the age of the children. For an infant under one year or children over ten years of age, the babysitter should be at least 15, better if they are at least 16. The reasoning for this is that infants take a LOT of responsibility, and younger babysitters aren't ready for an infant that won't tell them what they want and won't play with them the way young teens think kids should play. Also, kids older than ten should have a babysitter at least 5 years their elder. Twelve and thirteen year-olds are too close in age, and will end up being seen as just another friend to play with, so won't be taking charge, which is what is needed.
Children age 2-9 are good for any babysitter, 12+. But like I said, supervised babysitting for 12-14 (if the babysitter can do so in their own home, where their mother and/or father are, that would be perfect. Been there, done that).
2006-07-25 06:27:36 · answer #1 · answered by Jewel 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I started babysitting when I was 13 just in the evening for a couple of hours, but when I was 16 I started babysitting later and later. It was my mom's rules and I think it worked out great. The younger a babysitter and the later into a night they babysit can be kind of scary.
Maturity and how well you know the babysitter would affect my decision.
2006-07-25 06:51:40 · answer #2 · answered by the_great_melissa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say 13 years old for toddlers and up but definetely atleast 16 or 17 for a newborn or small baby! Some girls are much more mature than others so talk with them and use your judgement! Look for references and experience. These r your babies after all!!!!
2006-07-25 08:26:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think of that 11 years previous is unquestionably too youthful to babysit babies. i do no longer think of this is even criminal in maximum places. perchance in basic terms leaving them for an hour or so with a youthful sibling could be ok (yet nevertheless somewhat risky, reckoning on how previous the sibling is) yet an 11 year previous is unquestionably too youthful to be to blame for somebody else's babies for numerous hours. i all started babysitting whilst i exchange into 14, yet even then I babysat for older babies, no longer toddlers and babies. If I have been a parent, i could hire a youthful teenager (somebody a minimum of 13 or 14, yet actually no longer an 11 year previous) to babysit my babies in the event that they have been all a minimum of four or 5 years previous. yet with the aid of fact toddlers and babies require plenty extra supervision and are extra accident-services, i could actually want somebody older if I had sons and daughters so as that they could be waiting to deal with any issues that handed off. and likewise, if I did hire a youthful teenager, it may ought to be somebody i be responsive to. i does no longer hire some random 13 year previous that i've got by no ability met in my existence. the lady that employed me to babysit her babies is my neighbor, so she had already gotten to be responsive to me and knew that i ought to be depended on. yet in spite of this, i do no longer think of i could desire to go away my babies with ANY stranger, no count if or no longer they're 13 or 30. it may constantly be somebody you be responsive to and believe no count what age the guy is.
2016-10-08 07:32:56 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We only allow family to babysit because we don't trust anyone else.
2006-07-25 08:53:57 · answer #5 · answered by Mollywobbles 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess it would all depend on how mature the babysitter is, and how young your child is. I think the avarage age is around 12 though.
2006-07-25 06:04:33 · answer #6 · answered by Minn_Girl_16 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i wouldnt let anyone under the age of 16 ,but then again in saying that they have to be mature about it and have experience.
2006-07-25 07:57:15 · answer #7 · answered by lovedove662000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Adult. Exception: 12yo Stepdaughter, only because I know she is not like any other 12yo I have ever known, is capable of being totally responsible.
2006-07-27 04:03:32 · answer #8 · answered by imjustasteph 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in england 14 is the minimum by law. i think it should be 16 !!
2006-07-25 06:04:55 · answer #9 · answered by vicky l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think by law they have to be atleast 12 or 13....call your local police department....they can tell you exactly what it is
2006-07-25 06:10:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋