when you have a 4 year old and a 3 month old? I was in like 5th grade when I started babysitting but I don't think that young of children. It is ligit for a 6th grader that is 12 to babysit? She is a cousin so I completely trust her, but do you think she will be ok?
2007-11-07 02:09:08 · 23 answers · asked by Harley Mama 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
She is also taking all the babysitting and first aid classes that are offered. She also has 3 younger siblings, (6,3,& 1) that she has helped raised. Changing diapers and feeding and such!!
2007-11-07 02:24:22 · update #1
I think she would be fine with the 4 year old, but not experienced enough to take care of an infant.
2007-11-07 02:16:49 · answer #1 · answered by Angela C 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I don't think so. My sister is 12, and there is no way I'd leave my 3 yr. old with her yet. She watched some older kids for a couple days, but they were 6 & 7. I think having the 4 yr. old alone would be almost too much, let alone a 3 month old. I definitely would not leave the baby with her, and I think she should wait a couple years to babysit. If anything, let her 'babysit' the 4 yr. old while you are home, so she can practice and you can answer questions and help her out. That would give both of you a feel for it before jumping in.
2007-11-07 10:16:55 · answer #2 · answered by angelbaby 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would never leave my children with someone that young, ever! The person would have to be over 18 (at least) for me. Here a basic rule of thumb...would you let this person drive your car? NO....it takes just as much, MORE, responsibility to care for children, especially infants. I would not even contemplate this! It always amazed me how some parents think things like this are ok, then they wonder why things happen. Ask the mother of the infant that was shook to death by the 14 yr old babysitter, and the babysitter was charged--why weren't the parents as well?? Or the parents of the two year old that drowned while in the care of the 13yr old neighbor girl, DUH-she was probably on the phone! again the parents are just as responisble. THINK PEOPLE
2007-11-07 13:35:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
With a 3 month old it is REALLY important that your sitter can drive. They need their own vehicle... just in case. Also you have to keep in mind the maturity level of the person you have in mind for babysitting. Have her spend the whole day with you. Show her what it takes to care for your 3 month old, because all kids at that age require different things.
If she seems to be able to handle it and doesn't shriek when the kid throws up all over her crocs. And understands how easy it is for a child at that age to surprise you by miraculously rolling over.
Then I think it would be ok. But use your best judgment. Only you or her parents will know if your cousin is really ready for this much responsibility. Make sure she has a mobile (driving age) friend close by that can help her if need be.
:o) Best of Luck.
2007-11-07 10:20:37 · answer #4 · answered by I Ain't Your Momma 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think that you should consider how level headed and responsible the child is before their age or relation to you. You have 2 young children. Your baby sitter needs to be able to handle both of them. You know what a job that can be. Your niece needs to pay attention to the kids and not get distracted. If she can't do that then she is too young.
Personally, I wouldn't leave a 3 month old with anyone under 15 or maybe even 16.
2007-11-07 10:14:40 · answer #5 · answered by Photo Girl 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think your reservations are right, she could take care of the 4yr old fine, but add the 3mth old into the mix, she might be to overwhelmed and end up making a serious mistake, although not intended, someone might get hurt! Maybe have her over to the house a few times and let her "babysit" while you're in the house, so you can observe what she'd do in ordinary situations that she will be responsible for, that way you can coach her until you feel she is able to handle it on her own
2007-11-07 10:21:12 · answer #6 · answered by Chelle Mary 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Depending on your state they may have a law depending how old you have to be to babysit. However, she is family and if you completely trust her to watch your kids it should be fine.
Has she been around both your babies often? Is she comfortable picking up the small one if he/she is crying?
Will the baby be sleeping the entire time?
How long will you be gone?
If you are going to be gone a short amount of time it should be fine, however, if it is longer she needs to know how to feed the baby and at 12 I dont know if she is mature enough but as their mother its your choice hun. Good Luck!
P.S. I would prolly trust a 12 yr old family member before a I would a stranger but thats my opinion = )
I agree with the answer that says let her watch the baby while you are there doing laundry or something and you'll know in your heart if shes ready
Its your babies and only you know who you would trust them with and you said you completely trust her
2007-11-07 10:15:53 · answer #7 · answered by Saerah 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It all depends on the sitter and how mature and responsible they are. When I used to babysit years ago I started at 13. I would also meet them and their parents beforehand to have something like an interview and even do a trial run babysitting job, like say go run an errand for an hour or less, to see how they do.
2007-11-07 10:18:34 · answer #8 · answered by Sarah B 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Personally, I would not consider anyone under the age of about 16-17 for the 3 month old. That's a lot of responsibility. Maybe your cousin could watch the kids at her mom's house, for backup. Just in case anything should happen?
2007-11-07 10:22:41 · answer #9 · answered by trillian880 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think the cousin would be fine, but not for the 3 month old. There are too many things that could happen that she wouldnt be sure how to handle them. Now you could start by calling her over to babysit while you do laundry or something so that she is babysitting but you are also right there to supervise. She how she does and keep her practicing! :-)
2007-11-07 10:13:01 · answer #10 · answered by Sara 2 · 5⤊ 1⤋
I think as long as you are comfortable with it...try it out for a short period of time for the first few sittings. then make your decision based on how your children react when they know the sitter is coming. Does your baby cry when she holds him, does your four year old communicate dislike of a particular sitter...listen to your children and they will tell you more than you realize about their situation. Also, if you have any doubt about their age, don't do it yet. Maybe have them come over to sit while you are home, this way you can get a few things done and be able to watch/listen how she reacts to your children's needs.
2007-11-07 10:53:18 · answer #11 · answered by dannielle w 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋