Would you leave your dcs with a 14 year old babysitter?

[Kathyis6incheshigh]

This is a quick question for a colleague of mine who I told about the power of Mumsnet.

He has 3 dses, aged 7,5 and 1-ish. Their prospective babysitter is a sensible 14 year old whose mum will be just round the corner. The plan is to go to a restaurant less than 10 minutes away. The boys will all be in bed and are reliably good sleepers.

If he goes ahead, what is the going rate? (this is east Midlands, so not London prices)

And, more importantly, would you leave your dcs in these circs? We are interested in any opinions.

Many thanks in advance (I will be in a meeting all day so might not get back to thread for a bit.)

Yes I would and I have. As long as the mum is nearby for emergencies and the teen themself is sensible as many 14 year olds are. OTOH there ARE 14 year olds that I would NOT leave my children with, it depends on her judgement of the individual. If she is comfortable that they can handle it, then yes.

I know that people around here would and do.
I haven't because I haven't met a suitable 14yo who I thought was able to handle all 3-4 my DC, including an under 4.

Mind you, I was babysitting that number of children myself at age 14, in those kind of circs. But truth be told, I wasn't that suitable -- I didn't even know how to change a nappy!

we had a 14 year old for our children when they were 9, 7 and 3.

Her family live just across the road so if there was ever a problem, she could call upon them.

She was a very mature, sensible young lady and the children adore her. The only reason we stopped using her was because we got an au pair.

We used to give her £20 for 3 - 4 hours babysitting.

If they are all in bed, and will sleep, yes, but if any are likely to wake then no.
So adults cant cope with 3 kids, let alone a 14 year old!

yep sounds ok.how well does she know the girl though?and has the girl experience?does she know the dc?

we had older babysitter 50 ish.she buggered off and left my dc home alone so she could check her dog.age isnt indicator of good a baysitter someone is.

Yes I would and I have. My childminders daughter often baby sits for us and she is just 14. My DDs are always in bed and are usually very good sleepers. If they did wake they know her and her mum is just across the road in an emergency. We pay her £10 from about 8pm till 11pm. (and she gets to watch TV and have loads of snacks)

I'm in the East Mids and we pay our (19 yr old) babysitter £4 an hour - always rounding it up a bit so she tends to get £20 a night minimum.

We don't go out much...

Yes, have and would again though my eldest babysits now...he is nearly 18.

Many thanks everyone. This is very helpful and just what is needed.

I baby sat when i was 14...

the 1st time i babysat for my neighbour, who was socialising with my mum and dad at my house (basically at the back of the garden, abou 30secs walk away.... the children were asleep and i watched their TV, and mine and the childrens parents had dinner over the road )

no i wouldnt have a 14yr bs

Think I am in the minority but I dont think that at 14 you are old enough to cope in an emergancy (yes parents may be round the corner) but thats just my opinion

it depends on the person not the age. some 14 year olds are more sensible that some 20 year olds i know

no

I remember babysitting when I was 14 for a 10 and 7 year old, I used to make them supper and put them to bed, the Mum and Dad used to come in at past 1 drunk. My Mum was just across the road but still....

I do remember raiding their drinks cabinet and topping their vodka up with water

I am in the east midlands if he needs a sitter I charge £10 an hr.

But why I was replying really was that as part of my job I run a babysitting courses for 13-18yr olds and we suggest to the 13/14/15 yrs olds that they charge £2.50-£3.50 an hr depending on any prev exp and they also have done this 6wk course with me. for the 16/17/18 yr olds we suggest £4-£7 an hr depending on their experience and any other quals they may have.

I would have a sensible 14yr old if I knew that his mother was in and he would call her in emergencies.