is it just me or does everyone in america seem to start babysitting alot sooner than in england. i dont mean this in an offencive way its just that im 13, i live in the uk and i really want to start baby sitting maybe not even now but when im 14 or 15. it just seems that most parents wont leave their kids with anyone under the age of about 16.
is this just me or is it true?
any one from england can u plz give me ur views on this. parents, what is the youngest babysitter u would leave ur child with? ppl who babysit, wot age did u start babysitting.
do i have a chance?
plz give ur opinion.
2007-03-02 04:21:59 · 16 answers · asked by ??? 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
there is no law in the uk saying how old ur babysitter has to be.
they can be any age
2007-03-02 04:27:07 · update #1
or if there is its deff 14 not 16 or 18 or sommin
2007-03-02 04:29:36 · update #2
I would prefer to leave my kids with someone over 18, just in case of an emergency, anyway it is against the law in the UK to leave your kids with anyone under age.
2007-03-02 04:25:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, I'm in the UK and I started babysitting when I was just 12 - I was left in charge of 5 kids, from 6 months old up to 9 years. Now, as a parent myself I am quite horrified that I was allowed to do that! I have 4 kids and would definitely not leave them with an older child / young teenager. 16 would be the very youngest I would consider - and then only if I knew them well and felt sure they were responsible and sensible enough.
2007-03-02 04:39:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The 'guideline age' is actually 16. Most parents will leave their child with a 16 year old if the child is over 7, for younger children and babies most parents are not comfortable leaving them with strangers. You can babysit younger for friends or parents, if they have children, because they know and trust you, but until your 16 its not really likely that your going to get a job.
Asking around the people i babysit for, and parents at the nursery, most parents want a 16/17 year old sitter, unless they had a close friendship with their parents.
2007-03-03 06:22:06 · answer #3 · answered by Kati 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think its not just a UK thing its more how things have changed. When I was younger I started babysitting at 14. But these days you dnt see people doing it much before they are 15/16.
Personally i'd leave my daughter with someone I knew at 14, if I felt they were sensible enough to know what to do in an emergency. Im not sure I would let my 2yr old be looked after by a 13/14yr old stranger unless they had met a few times and I was confident enough.
I have only just started to let my (nearly) 13yr old take charge of her sister for short periods of time.
2007-03-02 04:28:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
To be honest, I have a 2 year old and I would not leave him with anyone under the age of at least 18 who had a driving license for emergencies. I used to babysit when I was 15 for twins for a nice couple and never had any problems but it was only three doors along from my parents house who they knew would be in. It's mad to think as there are many parents out there who are only teenagers themselves and many probably do a perfectly good job at raising their children but I think for peace of mind I couldn't leave my son with someone of around your age.
2007-03-05 01:14:34 · answer #5 · answered by Suze B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would only allow very close family to babysit for me.
I think the law states you have to be over 13, but unless you are over 16, the parent of the child is still responsible, so if you were to hurt the child the mother would be held responsible.
It's never worth leaving your child with anyone unless you trust them 100%.
2007-03-02 04:42:22 · answer #6 · answered by sandyrosie75 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you have to be at least 14 to stay in a house alone, so i would think sitting a child would be about 15, 16. I started babysitting cousins when i was 14 though! x
2007-03-02 08:35:59 · answer #7 · answered by Danni 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi
the factors influencing who would look after the children and at what age are hugley pliable - in that, i will leave my 8 yr old with my niece who is 14 - i know her and my daughter loves it. however, its best to build up some respect by being responsible - as you obviously are in asking this question!
maybe start by finding your local mother and toddler group or playgroup and asking to help out in the half term and holidays - also, the ladies that run them will know all of the correct laws etc. then by the time these little ones can be left with you as a baby sitter in say 12 months - they will know you a little so will the parents.
good luck
xx
2007-03-06 02:08:29 · answer #8 · answered by emma m 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it all depends on how mature the babysitter is with regards to the age but I don't think I would be comfortable leaving a child with someone younger than 16.
2007-03-02 04:29:50 · answer #9 · answered by Bugs 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello
I have to be honest and say that i wouldnt leave my children with anyone under 16 - that is my preference - but i do know lots of people that do and are very with the arrangement.
My children are both under 2, i guess if they were older then i would feel happier leaving them with under 16's but with them both being very young and demandong i prefer to have someone with a bit more experience.
Hope this helps
2007-03-02 04:27:42 · answer #10 · answered by SARAH B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋