Would you let a 13 yo babysit your 15 month baby girl?

Answer 1

I would only say yes after I was able to "test run" with the 13 year old. Test run meaning, I would be home with them, letting the 13 year old watch the baby while I was cleaning house. Just to see how things went. Afterwards I would ask the babysitter how she would feel watching the baby if I were to run errands out of the house. If the baby likes the babysitter and she feels responsible, then yes I would be comfortable. Of course I would leave my cell # and all other pertinant info for the babysitter.

I suggested this to my neighbor when she first had my daughter babysit for her. My daughter was scared to watch the baby (1yr) at first, because this was her first babysitting job. After the test run, my daughter felt alot more comfortable and she enjoyed spending time with the baby.

My daughter is 14 & had CPR training at the YMCA. I would not let her babysit unless she went through the class.

Answer 2

I think it absolutely depends on the 13 year old. I also think that a capable 13 year old is rare and hard to find. At 13, I was babysitting, but I was also 9 when my little sis was born and I helped with her all the time. I was raised around a lot of adults and actually preferred the company of people many years my senior most of my adult life so far. I summary, I do think it's possible, but that 13 year old would have to be proven to be extremely responsible and capable. I would ask for references from other people she's babysat for, or even speak with her parents. You could also have her over a few times before you leave her alone with your daughter to see how she interacts with her. Maybe have her babysit first while you are close by...doing yard work, household chores, or even a quick trip to the grocery store. Good luck!

Answer 3

While I would really love to, because when I was 13 I knew I was capable of babysitting a child, I wouldn't in this day and age.

I have a 13 nearly 14 year old daughter and I wouldn't leave her to babysit my baby (due end of year). This is mainly due to the fact that she is very easily distracted - usually by her mobile phone or her hair and when given instructions for simple things, she only pay attention to half of what we say.

I would see what this 13yr old seems capable of over time and then maybe you could allow incremental supervision times eg - when nipping next door to get a pot of sugar so to speak, and see how it goes.

Answer 4

No. Too many things can happen that a 13 year old may not be able to handle. If she knew CPR and first aide, then maybe if she is mature. Some teens stay on their cell phone or text message and do not pay attention to the children. Even some grownups who babysit are guilty of this.

Answer 5

Yes, as long as the 13 year old is responsible enough to know what to do in an emergency, and knows common rules like not opening the door to people they don't know and not using the stove, as well as staying away from any other household things that could be dangerous. I would definitely start with short periods like 2-3 hours at most. It would also be vital that your 13 year old would be comfortable him or herself with being home alone the the 15 month old. I would never leave them overnight myself though.

Answer 6

That might depend a lot on the 13 year old. But I don't think I'd do it unless I knew the child had demonstrated the ability to care for the baby adequately (as a sibling might) and the time period was brief, less than an hour.

Answer 7

no, i dont feel that 13 is old enough to babysit a baby that young... too many things can go wrong... i think its okay to have the 13 yr old babysit like a 3 yr old, but not under two... but thats just my opinion... by the time they are 3 you have gotten past certain things (like putting everyhting in their mouths, ect) to where it isnt so important to be watching them every second

Answer 8

Im 13 and i think im capable of babysiting a 15 month baby :]

Answer 9

No, I would not. I think they are too young to really get it at that age. I think before you have a baby it's hard to really be able to handle such a young baby although before I ever had kids I thought I could. Now that I have kids of my own, I don't feel that anyone that age would be able to handle it to my approval. I would be constantly worried. If you're going to be worried, it's not worth it!

Answer 10

No I wouldn't. I wouldn't trust somebody of that age to know what they are doing. I actually would not let anybody look after my daughter unless they or somebody with them have had kids of their own, I know how clueless I was before I had her!