How old do you think is a good age to start babysitting?

Question

I just would like to know.. im looking for a good babysitter

Answer 1

I'd say for kids that are over the age of 5, a babysitter that is 14 is fine. For infants and toddlers (who can be super frustrating for an adult), I'd say 18 is the youngest I'd consider, but I'd feel better with an adult.

Answer 2

This is a hard question because one 13 year old may be far more intelligent than one 17 year old. Some people raise their kids to be responible while others don't. What I would do is ask around. Find a couple of kids who babysit and get phone numbers from them of other people they've babysat for. Call the numbers and see what they say. Just as though you were interviewing someone to work for a company interview someone who would be watching your child/ren. You need to make sure they are good people. I would also look for a person who has taken a baby sitting course/home ec/ or something similar. I'd want someone who has been in courses in school that exhibit responible behaviour and someone who knows what to do in an emergency. Sit down with a few people and ask them questions like what would you do if my child got hurt or ill? What would you do if they didn't go to bed when they were suspose to? Do you know how to cook? Do you know anything about first aid? Do you think you can have friends over while I'm gone? Things like that. Some kids mature faster than others. Have they babysat their own siblings? I'd look for someone who has experience and can prove that they would do the job well. Good luck!

Answer 3

If you need a babysitter for a little one then I would find someone with experience, someone older, or at least someone over the age of 18, but if you need sitting for a 5 or 6 year old then I would say about 15 or 16.

Answer 4

It depends on how mature the babysitter is. I started when I was about eleven, but I was considered mature for my age. Girls 12-14 are good, but highschoolers don't mind babysitting either. They always are willing to work for a little extra cash anyways.

Answer 5

the question shouldnt be what age all honestly it should be.........
does the babysitter know what to do if a child is running a fever
does the babysitter know what to do if the child chokes at snack time
questions like that are what u need to ask your babysitters because you could be leaving the child in a dangerous situation if u dont have someone who knows what to do in important moments that could happen in your childs life. i hope this helps and that u find a great babysitter.

Answer 6

16

Answer 7

by law it's 12 if they've taken a babysitting course. however I would not trust my child with a child.
Look for a student in high school- preferably the upper grades that way they're mature and the money will go towards important things like college etc.

You can call the local high school and ask them to make an anouncment about a need for a babysitter and leave your number or a sign up sheet that way you can call them for an interview.

and don't feel silly interviewing them- it's your child they'll be dealing with so you need to know and DO call references!

best of luck!

Answer 8

Personally I think 16 is a good age to be left alone with small children. If some thing was to happen to one of the children then a 13 or 14 year old wouldn't be as prepared to take care of it.

Answer 9

14

Answer 10

Personally I think 16 Is a good age to start babysitting. Just make sure they are responsible enough.