old enough to babysit??

Question

I'm considering letting my 14 year old son and my 12 year old daughter watch my 8 year old daughter for 2 1/2 hours 4 days a week while I work. Does anyone know if this is legal?? I live in NC.

Answer 1

Yes in NC it is legal. If you feel your children are mature enough to take on that responsibility go for it. My oldest was 12 and she kept her brother and sister for 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the afternoon so I will warn you be prepared for the fights. She decided since she was in charge then that she could also order them around when I was at home and we had several battles over it. Just sit them all down and tell them what the rules are, what you expect of them during those 2 1/2 hours and let them ask any questions they want answered right them. Your 8 year old is even old enough to be in on the conversation. If they are expected to get homework and small chores done during this time then they are kept busy and less time to fight. Once you start make sure you ask your 8 year old each day how it went and listen to her to make sur the older two aren't bullying her around while you are gone and let the older two tell you their side of any problems. Good luck personally I think it is good that you are giving them the responsibility and letting them start learning what it is.

Answer 2

Very hard question I would have to ask if they fight alot or tease each other. I think if i left mine home alone they would end up fighting the whole time and because they were bossing each other around. Before you start working maybe you should take a trial run and go to a movie,the mall, grocery shopping something that will get you out for an hour and leave your 14 yr old with them but you should make it very clear he's the 1 in charge you don't want all chiefs and no indians see how it goes from there as far as it being legal i'm not sure time have changed since i was a kid i started baby sitting when i was 12 and you see reports on "latch key kids" kids that come home from school with their own key to get in and are responsible for themselves for a few hours. Make sure your set a few ground rules like no friends over when your not home its all in the decision you make and the question is, do YOU feel like your 14 yr old is responsible enough and would know what to do in an emergency? Good Luck :)

Answer 3

I watched my little brother about that much from when I was 11-17. It was HORRIBLE. He rebelled against me 10 times harder than he did my parents. He acted up all the time because he knew that I couldnt do much to him. Even if I sent him to his room or something, he would just come back out and continue driving me crazy. It made him bitter towards me because I was supposed to be his sister, not an authority figure, and it made me bitter towards him for being so horrible when I was just trying to help. Plus, I was always stuck with him, when I should have been having a normal teenage life. I really resented my parents for it, even though I knew they were just trying to work and give us a better life. I would have gladly sacrificed material things for my parents to be home with us more. The only good thing that came out of it was my infinite patience. I am now a mother myself, and compared to the hell I put up with while watching my brother, my toddler daughter is a piece of cake. Oh, and it also taught me that I would never do the same thing to my kids. On occasion is fine, but not on a regular basis. A sibling should be a friend and companion, not an authority figure and babysitter used by parents cuz its cheaper than childcare.

Oh, and I began babysitting at age 10 for other families and was widely trusted in the community for my skill with kids of all ages. Capability and maturity may seem like enough, but when its a sibling, that completely changes things and can hurt the family dynamic.

Answer 4

a child is old enough to stay/ babysit at 13.You should make sure that they have basic CPR class and know what to do in case of emergency.You can check around and see if they offer a class for babysitting in your area.I know we have them here in OHIO.Basically you just want to ensure that your kids know what to do if something happens, wether its choking or smaller child playing with matches....they have to be able to handle the things that you as an adult could handle which does include them not being able to handle the problem and knowing to call you or the police/poison control etc.
Im just hoping that they are responsible but even the most responsible can slip up.Maybe you can have a family member drop by and check on them or even periodically call to make sure all is well.

Answer 5

I am not sure if it is "legal" but I watched my little brothers when I was younger than that. eight is old enough to know rules and should have respect for her elders by now. Make sure they know who is the boss, and have rules set up and make sure there are consequences set up. This will limit stress for when there might be fights between them. good luck and I say give it a try.

Answer 6

My daughter was babysitting at that age..actually she was mature enough at 13...and they're related..as long as they know your house rules and don't let strangers in the house..things should be fine...It's not like she's an infant...they are all old enough to tend to their own needs as far as getting a snack, bathroom, homework..etc... Don't stress it...

Answer 7

Yes it is legal, but why is it your childrens responsibility to watch each other?
You are taking away time from friends and extracurricular activities.
Spend a couple of bucks and hire someone to do your job at home.
Besides, what will you do during school breaks and summer vacation? Have them stay home because you are gone? Please rethink your position and hire someone.

Answer 8

If you're worried about legallities check with the child services in your state.

Answer 9

I live in NC as well. That is definatly legal. It should be fine!

Answer 10

you need to check with your state department on this, in some states the ages vary
but I think they are old enough In my state the age is 13