When did you stop having babysitters?

[Autumn101]

Just as the title really! What ages did you stop using babysitters?

I have two DSes, 11.5 and 13 - they get on great, generally sensible and well behaved.

If it was going to a late night or we’re out a taxi ride away I get a babysitter but a couple of times recently DH and I have been for dinner at a local restaurant (2 mins walk away maximum) and left them home alone. They’ve been absolutely fine and happy.

So just thinking to when would you be comfortable having no babysitter at all if further away or a later night?? We’re not in a remote area and have nice neighbours who they know.

Mine are both under 10 so can't say but once me and my siblings were in secondary school we were left for a couple of hours at a time, for example when parents went out for a meal. It really depends on the maturity of the children aswell, but lots of people start babysitting around 14 so your eldest Dc is approaching that anywaybx

My babysitter was 14 when she started babysitting my kids ( they were 2 & 4 at the time ) so depending on how mature they are, probably around 14/15ish for me ( their only 4 and 6 now though so my feelings may change )