2007-03-25 16:16:23 · 22 answers · asked by Alex C 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
No, I don't. But I think its a great age to be a mother's helper (help watch the kids but the mom is still around).
2007-03-25 16:21:13 · answer #1 · answered by Heather Y 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on the kid and how old the kid being babysat is. Also, will the 12 year old be babysitting unsupervised?
I would say a 12 year old watching a neighborhood kid that is 6 after school for a couple in the 12 year old home with a parent there would be fine... or while the 6 year olds parents are out to dinner or a movie. But if we are talking about a 12 year old with no adult anywhere nearby, or an all day thing, or a much younger child... then no.
2007-03-25 16:31:16 · answer #2 · answered by VMSS 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the situation. I have a 12 yo and she can watch kids in the church nursery [not babies, just toddlers and preschoolers] because there are a bunch of mommies and grannies just outside the door, and if anyone cries we go in to help. I would let her watch a child in my home. I would not leave her in anyone's home with a child of any age at this point. There are situations that someone else had mentioned that she would not be able to handle. I would let her babysit at someone else's house with the mom home, if the mom needed some alone time. She is a very mature, capable, responsible 12 yo, but that just is not old enough to babysit on her own.
2007-03-25 20:08:20 · answer #3 · answered by Cris O 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I actually started to babysit when I was around 8 years old (I'm 19 now). Then again, I was really responsible as well. I think it depends on the child really. (the 12 year old) and the one getting babysat. I don't think a 12 year old should be watching a child less than 5 years old, but then again that's me. and the reason i say that is because teens/preteens these days are very irresponsible and too immature.
but again, it depends on your own judgment and the person you are looking at to babysit the child.
2007-03-25 16:40:02 · answer #4 · answered by Kiri 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I babysat when I was 12. But that was 10 years ago. I have a daughter now and would not leave a 12 year old to watch her.
I really think it depends on the maturity of the 12 year old though. Some kids are WAY more mature than others. If you trust the kid then yes.
I would still make up a list of serious "what if this happened" questions and have him/her answer them. It sounds lame, but you're always better safe than sorry.
2007-03-25 16:28:23 · answer #5 · answered by Tiffany 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I started when I was twelve. I think it depends on the twelve-year-old. As long as the parents of the child they are babysitting are comfortable with it and the child is responsible enough, I think it is ok. It might be helpful to start out watching the child for a short amount of time while the parent is still there so that they can get the hang of it and the parents can see if they feel comfortable with the twelve-year-old watching their child alone.
2007-03-25 16:21:59 · answer #6 · answered by Volleyball=Love 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not trust a 12 year old with my child. I would leave my 12 year old with a babysitter though. 12 yrs. old is extreamly young to be caring for any age of child. I would allow a 12 yr. old relative to "babysit" my children if I were at home and cleaning or something. So, my answer is definitly no. Have a great night!
2007-03-25 16:21:11 · answer #7 · answered by twisteddistance 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the 12 year old, but jeez, Alex, if this is your same 12 year old that got into a fight and broke the other kid's nose and wets herself on purpose and sneaks to wear diapers, I would have to say no. I hope she's not babysitting your 10 year old and your 6 year old who also sneak out to buy and wear diapers, either. You've got some interesting posts.
2007-03-27 07:30:59 · answer #8 · answered by tatertotsmommie2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the 12 year old, as long as they can be trusted in following ALL safety measures. Like they can't let a child wander into a pool, or what to say if they have to answer the phone or the the door when a stranger knocks and all that horrific stuff. and especially wont get on a power trip over children they are caring for. I waited till mine was 13 and broke him in gradually while I ran small errands.
2007-03-25 16:28:44 · answer #9 · answered by MamaJupe 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Totally. Im 12 right now and I babysit a 2yr old every week. Its a good way to start building responsibility and besides at my age Im obsessive with shopping...=)
2007-03-25 16:21:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anna Babe 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes but only if there is going to be and adult in the house also at 12 I don't think you are mature enough to handle a lot of situations.
2007-03-25 16:22:21 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋