What is an appropitate age for my son to babysit his younger sibling?

Answer 1

Not only does it depend on the maturity of your son, but it depends on the laws of your state. I believe here where I live a child cannot babysit if they are under the age of 12. I would say that highschool age 14+ is the right time to start babysitting.

Answer 2

It all depends on the boy and how mature and responsible he is. Some kids are ready at 13, have real good judgment, know when fun is turning into something else so can stop it before it gets out of hand, won't let peer pressure influence anything while he's babysitting, etc. Other kids aren't ready for the responsibility of another live human being ever. You know your child best. Maybe give him that responsibility a little at at time and increasing it as he proves he can handle it (sit the kids for an hour (while you take a nap so you can be handy), then for a couple hours, then an evening). Just remember he is still a kid himself, not an adult, so don't lay too much on him for too long.

Answer 3

It depends on his maturity level. How tolerent is he with his younger sibling under stressful situations, like temper tantrums, crying, or not listening. Does he have enough coping skills to manage these situations? Does he want to be helpful in that way? Make sure if you do think he is ready, that you start with short amounts of time he is left alone with him. See how he manages. Children can be overwhelming even for adults. Make sure he has clear instructions on what to do and phone numbers he can call for help if needed. If all these things are in place, then I think all will turn out okay. Its a great way to learn responsibility if managed in the right way. Prepare him well and he will be successful.

Answer 4

Well, I'm 11 and my mom lets me babysit my little 5 year old brother. I usually only babysit him for a couple of hours at the most. She started letting me babysit at age 9 or 10. She doesn't usually pay me though. That's just because I'm mature enough and I actually watch hi mand makes sure he is ok and has everything he needs.

Answer 5

There are laws in some places that dictate the age a child can babysit. I would start slowly with short periods of time and go from there. Only you know how mature your child is, age is not always a reliable yardstick. Also check in your area for babysitting courses they do have them.

Answer 6

Depends on how responsible he is. I started babysitting other people's kids when I was 11. It also would depend on how old his younger sibling is. If it's a baby, it's a different story than if it's a five-year-old or something... Does he know how to get help if there is trouble? Also, do you trust him to not do anything dangerous or allow his sibling to get hurt?

Answer 7

I totally agree it depends on th maturity of each child. The older one might be ready at 13 but the younger one might be to much to handle. Visa versa. If they aren't going to pay attention to the younger ones then children shouldn't be watching children. It seems like to many people have kids thinking that one day they will have a built in baby sitter. I think it just make the older kids rescent at the younger ones.

Answer 8

It depends on the sibling and the younger sibling
does the older one show signs of maturity?
how hard is the younger one to control?
think about these questions when making a choice
If he's really responsible 11
if not 15

Answer 9

i think 13 is the age to wear he can legally watch his younger sibling, but it depends on his mental age to, is he old enough to know what to do in case of fire?if younger one gets hurt?and how do they get along with each-other?these things you should consider.and don't be gone for very long, leave numbers and backup,maybe a neighbor,to stand by, just in case?its hard, just be safe and careful, and if you do do it, stress to your son that this is a very big responsibility.good luck, god bless

Answer 10

My son is 14, he watches his 3 year old brother for short periods of time, less than 3 hours. It works out well. BUT, you know your child best. Is he mature enough?