to think that a 15 year old is too young to look after a 6 year old...

[LucieMay]

... at night time? My niece is leaving school soon, nearly 16. She wants to make some babysitting money and is nagging me to let her look after my six year old DS at night this Friday (I'd arranged to go out but can't find a babysitter in the family). I personally think she's too young to babysit him, particularly at night. She's never looked after him on her own before. AIBU?

Yes. I take my St Johns ambulance course every 2 years. It takes a day (or two if you want a higher level) and there is new guidance on how to deal with choking in a baby - toddler - child and how to do CPR (that has changed too recently). I expect my kids teachers and nursery nurses to be up to date as well.

Here in N America, a babysitting course is standard for teens. I think it would be a good comprimise OP, asking her to do this. If she keeps begging, it's a simple enough thing for her to do to show willing.

I've got one seeker got it when I had my pfb. But it's not necessary as long as said 15 yr old has a bit of back up.

it isn't her babysitting skills that you are doubting then ?

I used to babysit when I was 15/16. 4 year old & 18 month old twins.

What could happen in the evening?

Much safer than having to keep them occupied during the day.

YABU

Just saw your post Lucie.
I always tell my babysitters - no alcohol, no smoking, no boys (unless it's a boy babysitting, in which case...) straight off. I was a pretty naughty babysitter and used to sneak my boyfriend in. With hindsight, I'm really ashamed and now only hire really really sensible girls/boys who I totally trust and really lay down the guidelines strictly.
I think with that extra info, I'd tell her to do the first aid course and then you'll think about it. The likelyhood of her getting off her butt to do one is slim so you don't have to worry.

God I hate drip feeding.
aibu to think 15 is too young to babysit my 6 year old? Yes of course you are.

aibu to not want someone i don't trust to babysit my 6 year old? No, of course you aren't.

Don't waste our time.

My DD aged 16 has been doing one day a week work experience at a nursery. She has been babysitting since she was 13.

I've done a first aid course. Not just to look after my kids, I had to do one for work. It's good to have of course but I wouldn't insist a babysitter have one-they're just going to be watching tv while the kids sleep!

Seeker I didn't actually remember that incident until then! It was genuinely a question re the age thing, I wanted to know if I was out of touch with general opinion and if people think 15 is too young. And as people have rightly pointed out the age is fine, it is more a question of maturity level. I think I'd prefer her to wait a few months. The babysitting courses are excellent ideas.

Maryz - I totally agree that not many parents have done one, and everyone should. They are well worth the time.

I think I'm just a bit indoctrinated by how standard babysitting courses are over here in our country. (Probably a bit like I now find it strange not to see kids wearing a helmet when they are on scooters) Every teen seems to do a course when they hit 13. It's reassuring to the parents because not all safety stuff would have occurred to me at that age.

Of course 15 isnt too young. I was regularly babysitting for friends of my parents at that age to earn money. Much easier to look after a 6yo than a toddler, and as a parent, your 6yo can report back to you in a way that a toddler wouldnt be able to if they were upset about anything that went on while you were out.

I also wouldnt have any qualms about a babysitter bringing her boyfriend or one mate, but I would have it in the rules that it would be one other person only, no alcohol, and no smoking in the house.

Depends on that 15 year olds previous life experience. If they are the eldest in a large family then they are probably more useful than most.

First aid certificate to babysit.

Is it legal then? I thought under 16's weren't allowed?

Just checking as I'd like my 15yo niece to babysit for me whilst I work on Saturday nights but my mum reckons I could get in trouble

there are no laws MrsR, AFAIK

there are certain "recommendations" mostly around the responsibility level of the sitter, not the actual age

I think that is for occasional "social" babysitting though, not a regular weekly occurrence where you are effectively employing someone as a childminder while you work

you might be better asking your local childcare provison services...I think you might not like the answer though

OK, I will have to delve further. It would be fortnightly so yes, a regular thing. It's ok as my mum will have the dc but I know she'd rather not commit to every week. Thanks AF

I am not any expert, btw

there should be a child care link on your local services website

A 6 year old would almost be fine by itself during the night. Unless they keep waking up.

I wouldn't leave a baby with a 15 year old, but a 6 year old yes.

Does she spend much time with your DS?

If you don't trust your niece, it doesn't matter if she is 15 or 45. But you can use her age as a polite excuse.

15 is fine. My lad used to babysit from 14, no mishaps.

I babysat from age 14, sometimes even overnighters! The parents in our area were competing with each other to hire me and I was a rather good babysitter!