Leaving 14yo with 7 near 8 yo alone for four hours, we will be near by?

[Puttingouthefirewithgasoline]

We will be about ten, fifteen mins away, 14 is extremely sensible but.. They do clash a little!
. Would others?

Omg I mean 8 nealry 9 yo!!

I was babysitting small children at 14 at night? It's fine

Depends if 14yo is willing.

Do you mean with 8 children who are nearly 9, or one child who is 8, nearly 9?

Because that puts a different slant on it.

I was babysitting at that age, wouldn't do it all the time (and to be fair wouldn't like a 14 year old to babysit my kids overnight!) but likely fine if the 14 year old is sensible. However I do think that siblings can be harder, what is likely to happen if they fight?

The issue is that they clash, not age.

I think a sensible 14yo can look after an 8yo (who presumably is largely independant anyway, as long as with a screen).

However if they can clash, that's a big risk so I wouldn't.

I have 16yo, 15yo, 11yo and 6yo. My eldest can look after any because No clashes. But I would not leave 15yo with 11yo because on occasion they clash, even though 15yo is great at looking after 6yo and gets on well with 16yo.

If they do clash, even if not frequent, if it happens without an adult around it can esculate very quickly.

Fine. I babysat younger children at night (down the road from my mum) from 13.

I think a 14yo could look after an 8yo, sure.

Is there a neighbour they could go to in an emergency? If feel more comfortable knowing that.

Ours don't escalate and no violence.
two dc one of whom will be 8 nearly 9

User yes, both sides good

We left our 13 year old (shes 14 in 2 months) to look after our almost 7 year old for about 2 hours last Friday evening. Youngest was in bed asleep and eldest was absolutely fine listening out for her.

It’s the first time we have done it - our 16 year old is usually home to watch the youngest if we pop out for a bit but she wasn’t that night (we don’t ask her often though).

13 year old is very sensible so I’d be happy to do it again if needed.

Our youngest goes to bed late.

I think it's fine. I babysat at 14.

What time would you be out until? I’d say yes as long as they’re fed and have access to screens (and a mobile to contact you if needed). I wouldn’t ask the oldest to enforce bedtime in case it causes arguments, but maybe that’s just my 7 and 9yo!

Yes, but I'd do a quick risk assessment, and tell the 14 yo not to cook anything!

If sensible and being paid as a sitter then yes. If expected to be the free childcare by default then no.

Seems fine. Ensure 14 year old has phone and can get hold of you and you do check your phone whilst out. It seems fine as long as 14 year old is willing and capable....and most would be fine.

I was doing that for two siblings (and parents friends kids at that age).
Also when I looked after my siblings I got £3 an evening (and they got a £1 each if they were good) - bribery but it worked.

Would the oldest have to put the youngest to bed? I wouldn't do it personally.

I used to babysit for strangers at 14 so I think it's fine.

Why does a nine year old need putting to bed?

Ask to go to bed, put to bed no.

I think it's going to be OK. We are not far away and it's later in the year so hopefully both will have matured by then!

@tentosix

Yes, but I'd do a quick risk assessment, and tell the 14 yo not to cook anything!

Why can't a 14yo be trusted to cook on their own?

Totally fine