To think this was way too young?

[FlyingSoap]

Just jogged my memory by reading an old diary. When I was 14, I got a babysitting job (friend of family friend). Their child was only 3 years old. I met them in a cafe before I looked after their daughter, but they’d literally go for a whole evening out - 6pm-11pm - and leave me in charge. They wouldn’t go far, maybe a mile or two away in a taxi for food and drink. I think they paid me £15. She was awake when they left and I would do bedtime and then watch some TV downstairs or do homework. I text the parents midway through to let them know she was ok.

We’re not talking that long ago, ten years ish. I’m now about to become a mum myself and I can’t believe anyone would leave their child with a child! I’d possibly trust a very reliable, close relative age 16 or over. I was responsible as a teenager, had experience with children and knew what to do in theory in an emergency, but I don’t know how I’d have coped in practice.

YABU - you’re overthinking, that sounds totally fine

YANBU - I agree with you, it’s irresponsible

I babysat at that age too, mostly very near neighbours so I could call my mum in case of emergency but it was fine.

depends on the scenario. I let a local child age 13 babysit mine. However we are only 10 mins away, her parents (who we know well) stay home and are there as back up. Family members also live next door and are on call if needed.

My 14 y.o. (Since she was 13 y.o.) Picks up a nearby neighbours kids from after school club and cooks their dinner then puts them to bed. £10 an hour. We are available nearby if there's a problem. 2 well behaved kids aged 5 & 7. My DD is very mature and sensible.
Didn't think this was unusual.

I used to love babysitting when I was a teen. It was easy money. Turn up, play a couple of games with the kids, put them to bed, then spend a couple of hours watching TV or doing my homework.

I did have the heebie jeebies one night when that Sarah Reed poltergeist thing was on the telly though. Almost jumped through the window when the parents came home.

I was babysitting from the age of 12. I think it's fine so long as the child's parents are close by and have phone with them. Also my parents were close by when I was 12 so I could have called them. There were never any problems.