How old to babysit?

[mistersmum]

Sorry if this has been asked but I have tried to search but to no avail! I sometimes need to pick my DH up from the station later than DS bed time and this can be a real pain. Our nextdoor neighbours have a 14 year old daughter who has offered to cover for the 20min it would take to get there and back. I think I feel quite happy about this as the parents are around and it is for a short period of time, but wondered if there is a minimum age for babysitting? And how much should I pay her?
Thanks

I think that's probably fine. I started babysitting at 12 (was it 11?) - for two toddlers in my neighborhood. Hours at a time - the parents were on a boat once when I was alone with them. US$2 per hour. Those were the days. Would I EVER consider that now. No way.

But 14, if she's pretty mature, and it's only for a short while, should be fine IMO. For me payment would depend on how regular it was. I might give her £7.

Our neighbour's daughter (13) babysits for us (only when her mother (who is a nurse) is also at home in case of an emergency). She asked for £2 an hour, we give her £3 an hour because that feels waaaay too little!

as far as i know there is no law about how old someone needs to be 2 babysit - if you feel comfortable leaving your child with her then i'm sure it will be ok esp. as her parents are nxt door anyway - as for how much to pay her £3 p/h sounds fair to me but i wouldn't rely on her always being available

also hide all your chocolate!!

If you know her and trust her it sounds possibly okay for that amount of time. I am a parent and a chilminder, you have to go with what your gut says. Your her parent and you know best. Trust your instincts.