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Original poster

Is she too young??

23 replies

Tippytoes · 08/04/2004 16:46

My babysitter is a 14 year old girl, my ds is 2.5. She has been part of his life since the day he was born and used to take him out for walks around our estate in his pram for about 20 mins or so. She is a very sensible young girl. I have recently started to let her babysit him on a Saturday night while we go out for a few hours, but only just 2 minutes walk away. Her parents live just across the road too and can keep an eye on her.

My question is, do you think that this girl is too young to babysit? Even though she is very mature and is excellent with ds, who absolutely adores her to bits (think he prefers her to me!!)

OP posts:

Freckle · 08/04/2004 16:52

No. I used to babysit for a lot of people at that age and a bit younger. Always people I knew, always with immediate help to hand if required, e.g. my parents next-door, another known adult down the road, etc.

I loved the responsibility (and the chance to earn some money) but knew that, if things became tricky, I could ask an adult for help. Your set up seems very similar.

coppertop · 08/04/2004 16:52

I did a lot of babysitting when I was 14. The children's ages ranged from a few months old up to about 4yrs old.

I would say that you go with whatever you feel comfortable with. If you have a mobile phone she will always be able to contact you if she has any problems.

Fizog · 08/04/2004 16:56

I think 14 is fine, I'm sure I was babysitting at that age.

Also I'm sure if she was the older sister of your son you probably wouldn't mind.

Thomcat · 08/04/2004 17:01

I think that's fine, esp seeing as how she has been in your and your sons life for so long, parents live across road. You lucky thing, enjoy your nights out

Original poster

Tippytoes · 08/04/2004 17:05

Oh great, glad everyone thinks this set up is ok. Yes we have our mobiles with us all the time just in case, but to be honest she never calls us. My ds is always awake too when she babysits, as he NEVER goes to bed before 10pm anyway. So she has her work cut out keeping him occupied while we are out. Although, i recon if he slept earlier, she wouldn't want to babysit anymore, she loves his company. I don't know what I would do without her actually.

OP posts:

Davros · 08/04/2004 17:08

In theory I think its too young, is it even legal? But, of course, you know her and with her parents being nearby its probably OK. My main concern would be (with anyone)what would they do in an emergency? If you think she would act sensibly in an emergency then it should be fine. Don't depend 100% on your mobile as sometimes there's no reception or batteries run down etc.

Original poster

Tippytoes · 08/04/2004 17:12

She would be very sensible in an emergency I am sure, we always leave her a front door key and keep one in the inside of the back door too. We have smoke alarms etc fitted, you know, all the usual stuff. Think the biggest thing that puts my mind at rest is that her parents are only over the road, although saying that, sure I would let her look after him even if they were out, as long as we weren't too far away etc.

OP posts:

musica · 08/04/2004 17:14

Our babysitter started at 14, as did I went I used to do babysitting. Like you, she lives across the road from us, so not only are her parents on hand, but she knows everyone in the street, who would be only too happy to assist in an emergency.

musica · 08/04/2004 17:15

Davros, I think 14 is the legal age, as far as I recall.

Janstar · 08/04/2004 17:28

We did the same thing with our next-door neighbour. I felt totally reassured because her parents were right next door if they were needed.

dd1 is 14 now and she babysits. I don't worry at all - mobile phones are a great thing.

Davros · 08/04/2004 17:32

Well if its legal, cheap and convenient why not? Sorry, got side tracked, we're talking about babysitting right? Ha ha. I'm a bit paranoid as I have a child with special needs and a baby...

aloha · 08/04/2004 17:34

She sounds great to me. The whole situation sounds perfect. I used to babysit as a teenager and I was really very good, much less lethargic than I am now!

aloha · 08/04/2004 17:36

How on earth did parents ever go out before the days of mobile phones eh? I used to have the name of the restaurant if they were there, but often just emergency contacts - eg dr, granny, or 999. Never ever needed any of them. Just played with the kids, read then stories, stripped down wet beds if necessary, then watched tv and ate my own weight in chocolate digestives.

Natt · 08/04/2004 17:45

I used to babysit from age twelve, whole groups of toddlers and babies and was really terrible, used to set food on fire and frighten children about noises in the house and then they'd be awake and scared when parents got home. I think people were much more careless with their kids in the early eighties.. thinking back to my own teen self would not leave anyone under 16 with my own kids but willing to accept that was unusually inept.

WideWebWitch · 08/04/2004 18:19

Nah, she's not too young IMO, she sounds lovely and sensible and her parents are over the road. Congratulations, GO OUT!

Paula71 · 08/04/2004 21:04

Lucky you Tippy! I used to babysit for my next door neighbours two children from the age of 12 (me, not them!) It was a great way to start making money!

I just wish there was some trustworthy teen around here for us!

misdee · 08/04/2004 21:11

i wish i could fine a trustworthy teen too. i was babysitter from around the age of 12. hardly ever had problems, even dealt with a little boy who suffered bad night terrors.

tallulah · 09/04/2004 10:39

I used to babysit from 14, but I'm sure the legal age is 16 (even if it was your own brother/sister you sat for).

ponygirl · 09/04/2004 11:02

No, she's not too young. Our next door neighbour's daughter used to sit for us when she was still 13 for the same reasons, she's mature and sensible for her age and her parents were very near. Lucky you! (And me!)

JanZ · 09/04/2004 13:57

There is no formal legal minimum age.

The NSPCC web site says "There is no law that states the minimum age that a child can be left alone. However, it is an offence to leave a child alone when doing so puts him or her at risk."

while central Scotland police say on their web site, "There is no specific minimum age for a babysitter (although 16 is often quoted). Parents or carers must adopt a common sense policy, with the babysitter being able to look after both himself/herself and the child.

Similarly, there are no legal guidelines regarding the age at which a child can be left at home alone. The rule of thumb is that the child should be able to look after himself/herself. Again, common sense should apply."

So if you are comfortable with her and know that she is sensible, then just go out anf enjoy yourself!

bigmutha · 09/04/2004 18:35

Tippytoes, my dd is 13(nearly 14) and has been babysitting my ds who is 3 for the past few months. I know it is different as she's his sister but I think the age is fine and most girls are pretty responsible at this age, lots of her friends are sitting other kids. I always have my mob. with me so she can ring me if worried but its usually me ringing her.

KatieMac · 09/04/2004 20:09

I think your probably OK - but remember if anything goes wrong it would be your fault not hers as she is not an adult
If you leave a 'child' under 18 in the house and anything awful were to happen the 'child' would not be responsible.

So if you left your 17 yo in the house and she burnt the house down intentionally your insurance would not pay out as she is not responsible.

At 16 you can have sex, get married - at 17 you can learn to drive but you are 'apparently' not responsible for your own actions until 18

(by the way I use a 14yo Babysitter too!!!)

lieman · 09/04/2004 20:41

i have 2 neices, one at 14 who babysits all the time the other is 16 and is dying to babysit but i wouldn't let her mind the dog! so i think it all depends on how responsible they are rather than their age.

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