Would you allow a 13 year old to babysit a 6 or 7 year old ?

[Lardlizard]

For a couple of hours in evening ?

Yep

Would depend whether the kids involved are sensible and also the relationship between them - do they know each other well?

If the 13 has been consistently sensible and reliable, yes.

Not the 13 year olds I know, no. Perhaps you know some who would be very mature without adults around/well versed in first aid and able to keep a calm head in a crisis.

Yes. We all started babysitting at about 12-13.

I would also want there to be somewhat of a support system nearby. A friendly neighbour, for example.

Most probably wouldn't these days.

When I was 13 I babysat 2.5yo twins and their 8yo brother. But my mum was literally 60 seconds down the road as backup, and the 8yo was very sensible.

For me, it would depend on how sensible both were, and how far away backup for the babysitter was.

It would depend on the younger kids, it if was my 8 yr old, no chance, but if it was my eldest at 6/7, yes no problem

Depends on the maturity of the 13 year old and relationship to the children

Yes depending on the 13 yo. My DD babysat her younger cousins from 13, she is very close to them, extremely sensible and I was just around the corner if there was a problem.

I used to baby sit at 13yo. Looking back I'm not sure what on earth possessed the parents concerned. Maybe times were different but the 13yos I work with can barely look after themselves!

I suppose if it was a 13yo who is used to the children and usually does a lot with them, that may be different.

Yes both very sensible and well behaved, siblings

I’d put the 7 year old in bed, before heading out
And the teen has a phone etc
We would be local

Depends on the 13 year old. When I was 13 I routinely took care of my little niece. But I was a very grown up and responsible 13 year old.

Yes

Depends on the 13 year old. My DD started babysitting at 12. I wouldn't ask my DS to babysit anything and he's 19.

Not really, no. As a one off for an emergency I would, but regular so you can work/attend a hobby/have a night out, I wouldn't.

Well I just asked 8yo DS1 if he'd let his 14yo Dsis babysit him and it was a firm no. Not sure why. Apparently she's irresponsible but she's not that bad!

9yo DS*

Depends on where the nearest 'proper adult' help was. If you are going to be a couple of doors down or a know neighbour had agreed to be available then yes.

Is it legal ?

For 30 minutes while I went on an errand yes. Otherwise no.

Yes. I was babysitting much younger kids at that age.

I was at that age but I shouldn’t have been

They do actually get along very well if that makes any difference

From all you've said, then yes.

From reading the OP I was going to say

• depends on the 13 yr old
• depends on the 6 or 7 yr old
• depends on where you were / what you were doing
• depends on what neighbours you had 'on tap' if you couldn't get back in 10 mins or so.