To think that 15 is too old for a babysitter?

[LadyGodiva4]

My sister has asked me to babysit my 15 year old (who has no disability/learning difficulties) this weekend. It's not terribly convenient for me, but I will do it as I generally think it's nice to be helpful to family where possible, but what rubs me up the wrong way is that I don't think a 15 year really needs supervision.

They heavily supervise all her homework which I find bizarre, as I think she really is old enough to be getting on with it herself. When we were her age we were making our money babysitting. AIBU to think it's a bit annoying to ask for a favour like that, when it's not really necessary, and would you let your 15 year old stay in for the evening (not overnight, just till say 11pm)?

That is utterly ridiculous. Have you asked your sister why she cant stay alone. tbh I would probably laughed and thought it was a joke.

How ridiculous. A 15yr old should BE a babysitter not require one!

That's hilarious! Why on earth does she think her DD needs a babysitter?

Does she feel comfortable being left alone? I was fine that age being left for hours and had been a babysitter myself for a few years, but a cousin of mine hated being left and would have a panic attack alone. Every child is different.

Not needed imo unless 15 year old feels vulnerable home alone.
my 15 year old stayed home alone in the evening.

Would and have left a 15 year old in those circumstances.

I'm assuming this is not at the instigation of the DD - that she just wants some company?
(If this was my DC they would be making their own plans with friends rather than be "babysat" by a willing aunt)

Wtf I was babysitting at that age. Jesus wept.

My nearly 15 year old would be horrified at the idea of a babysitter!!

My 12 year old stayed home alone the other evening while we were out. It was possibly a bit early but we had plans in place. 15 year old should absolutely NOT be needing a babysitter.

We aren’t going out at night at the mo together because it feels like our 14.5 and 13 are too old for a babysitter but a bit too young to be left at night ..the issue is the 13 year old though .. the other would be fine alone

Of course she doesn't need a babysitter!

I was a babysitter at that age - younger, in fact.

Sounds stifling for the 15 year old.

It’s ironic that parents who baby their teens like this don’t seem to worry that they’re going to be sending a very naïve son or daughter out into the world at 18.

I wouldn't leave a 15y old for a whole weekend which is what I initially thought you meant (not that he'd have any issues himself, but the house might not be standing one his mates had all piled in for an 'empty') but absolutely ridiculous to need a babysitter for an evening.
When we're going out we usually offer him and one mate pizza money to dog sit/walk the dog if he fancies some company.
(If we're going out somewhere expensive his hopeful little face usually pops up wanting to come- he has has expensive restaurant tastes 😂)

If it's overnight it could be to dissuade any teen parties, sex or drinking. Or, your niece might just feel uncomfortable spending the night alone at home which is understandable.

If it's only for the day or evening, then it's odd.

Hang on … are you ok OP ? Do you think it’s a way of giving you company for the evening? Breakup , drink too much ? If not , maybe bullying? On line stuff that’s not helpful? Self harm ? If none of the above fit , then totally bonkers !

Does she have form for inviting boys over and getting very drunk?

I'm worried for the future of these teenagers who are mollycoddled. Why don't parents step back a bit?!

Yes, I feel the same.

I'm stunned! At that age I was an experienced babysitter and was earning regular pocket money doing it. Are they generally overprotective?

They are very coddling and overprotective, and she is a bit young for her age. She's an only child which may come into it? She's absolutely not one for boys or drinking though, she's very well behaved, and already a very sweet girl (although very used to being the centre of attention).

Another example of this overprotectiveness is being asked to pick her up from places and drive her home when they can't i.e. from swimming despite there being a totally acceptable public transport alternative. When me and my sister were 12 we were getting the bus home alone from school, so I do find it a bit odd! But it's not really my place to comment on her parenting, but when it impacts my only free time outside of my very busy job I do begrudge it slightly (although I am very fond of my niece!!)

Do you live close by? You could suggest to your sister that you could be an emergency contact for you niece this weekend that she could ring for whatever reason (even just feeling a bit anxious or lonely) and you’ll come straight over, so supporting her to be on her own for the evening for the first time rather than babysitting.

I am guessing she's an only child!

It's absolutely ridiculous but maybe you can use the opportunity to ask the 15 yo over for a weekend at your house so they can relax from the rules a bit. Let them have some fun.

To be fair I'd be comfortable trusting my almost 16 year old at home alone until late in the night, however I know she wouldn't be comfortable and would prefer company so in an emergency like her sister needing A&E she'd suck it up touch wood that'll never happen but just for my husband and I to have a night out she would prefer company.

Not a babysitter, just someone so a friend sleeping over/staying late would be just as acceptable.

Is there any chance this isn't driven entirely by your sister but your niece has asked for you to keep her company too?