To keep using a babysitter

27 replies

NotQuiteUsual · 15/09/2026 11:21

So I don't think I'm bu, but I'm happy to be told otherwise.

So I have 3 kids. 13,10 and 8. Now I would happily leave the 13 and 10 year old alone for an hour, maybe more if we built up to it. They're very sensible, our neighbours are lovely and would help if there was a problem. But the 8 year old obviously is a different story. Shes too young to be left anyway, but shes a very young 8. I'd clock her mannerisms and personality at closer to a 5-6 year old than 8.

We have a lovely babysitter we've been using for years, now shes older her younger sister sometimes babysits too if shes busy. Great set up for us. But a friend questioned why we're hiring a babysitter when the eldest is 13 and could surely be looking after their younger siblings.

Am I wrong for thinking 13 is too young to babysit siblings for the odd evening? Or am I being overprotective somehow? I mean when the 13 year old is 16 and the youngest is 10/11 I'd happily leave them all. Or is that too old?

OP posts:

Lizzieregina · 15/09/2026 15:54

you should absolutely do whatever makes you more comfortable.

Having said that, I provide after school childcare for this exact same age grouping and I know if the mum and dad are having an evening out close by (2/3 hours) they leave the oldest girl in charge and pay her. I know she also babysits for a couple of other families.

I think it’s a case of know your own children and how they interact with each other.

honeylulu · 15/09/2026 16:04

It depends on the children and the dynamic rather than the ages. My kids are 9 years apart and my son started babysitting for youngest when he was 14 and she was 5. But she was well behaved and biddable and he was quite protective of her (we did give him a small fee which helped!)

She's 12 now and OK to be left for a few hours in the day but on the odd occasion when she'll be at home without us late in the evening/after dark I do still get a sitter, to keep her company rather than look after her. She was furious about having a babysitter last time but admitted after that she loved having someone to watch a film and play Uno with. I probably have babied her more than my eldest i admit!

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