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Views on asking a 16 yr old neighbour to babysit in day and what to pay?

10 replies

loves2walk · 21/07/2010 18:57

I have childcare problems next week and as I often seem to ask friends for a dig out in term time, I am hoping not to have to ask any of my friends right at the start of the holidays.

So I have this 16 yr old boy who lives 2 doors down and seems really friendly. He kicks a ball around with my 2 sons occasionally and seems patient and kind. However he is the youngest of 3 boys himself so has no younger siblings and when I asked his mum if she thought he would be up for helping, she said he would love to, but has no experience of looking after little guys.

Would you leave your kids with someone like this? How much would you expect to pay?

My boys are 5 and 9 so big enough to help with snacks, tidying etc but they can be a handful together as they fight. I will only be out for 2 hours but I haven't used this type of informal, untrained help before. My H thinks it fine and might be good training before asking this boy to babysit evenings.

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Treetrunkthighs · 21/07/2010 19:06

I think it sounds great.

But, I would only do it if the lad's mum/dad was going to be at home and there for him to call on if things got too much for him.

loves2walk · 21/07/2010 19:12

Thanks treetrunk- think your name would be more apt on me!

I know his mum won't be as she will be at work. But I will be local, back in 10-15 mins if needed though will defeat the object if I am needed IYSWIM. I do need to trust the person, but my Hs view is this is a gentle way of testing and building up trust.

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loves2walk · 21/07/2010 19:15

What would you pay? Our local babysitter is £6 an hour but is a qualified nanny and super so I'm sure it shouldn't be that level.

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defineme · 21/07/2010 19:16

Just set clear boundaries-eg stick to the garden/house, what to say when they fight/how to separate them, what's an appropriate snack and so on. 16 is plenty old enough to look after 2 kids for 2 hours.

Acanthus · 21/07/2010 19:19

He'll be fine. Try suggesting an activity if it's only for a couple of hours eg can you take them to the park/ I've left the cricket stuff in the garden/ there are snacks in the tin in the kitchen for afterwards. Give him a steer and I'm sure it'll be fine. No idea what to pay though, sorry.

loves2walk · 21/07/2010 19:28

Yes you're right- he could be working in a nursery at his age I suppose! I just worry about all the things he won't have come across before- disciplining them for a start as he's so gentle. But my DSs probably will be great for him as they'll want to impress him. Games in garden or park is good idea. Did think of park on bus but then worried there may be other teenagers in the park and our neighbour may get distracted! See, just me being neurotic!
Thanks

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defineme · 21/07/2010 21:40

I know someone who pays a 6th former £5 an hour to look after her 2 for an hour after school.

loves2walk · 22/07/2010 08:08

Thanks defineme, £5 seems ok, might try that.

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WingDad · 22/07/2010 13:56

I did a fair bit of babysitting for family friends when I was 14 - 18 (I'm male).

I always worried a little bit about how to properly deal with them when things went a bit pair shaped. I babysat one family with 2 boys, and another with 2 girls. The girls would constantly fight and while I was constantly trying hard for them to like me, I would sometimes have to be quite forceful with them to stop them pulling each other's hair out! They were nice girls though and we struck quite a friendship over the years, I even began to look forward to babysitting them.

The boys? They were like angels! 12 and 9, they were both incredibly cute and well-mannered. The 9 year-old was an obviously quiet boy and he still liked to be read a story in bed, which I was only too happy to do (it really was thoroughly enjoyable). And then I'd sit with the 12 year old watching TV, talking about all-sorts. I think he enjoyed it because he saw it as having a grown-up conversation. It was a real privilege looking after them.

So you can see I babysat two quite different sibling groups, one kinda rowdy, the others not so! There was a definite reason why though:

The boys' parents, although they weren't strict, before leaving were very clear to the boys about how to conduct themselves when I was around. I got the distinct impression that they had had a few words of guidance before I arrived also.

The girls' parents, although very good parents, didn't do this with the girls and initially they saw it as "a free house without parents" which of course always ended disastrously!

So I would strongly advise some clear ground rules being set and all that. Also, the 16 year-old (who does sound like a good lad) might want to bring school work round to do, especially as he nears exams or whatever; so maybe make sure there's a workspace available? Not an absolute necessity of course.

All in all, I loved babysitting when I was a boy, thoroughly enjoyable experience

loves2walk · 22/07/2010 16:30

Thanks wingdad, that was all very helpful.

I'm sure you're right about boundaries being set by parents prior to departure. My parting shot to my 2 is always "remember xx is in charge, ok?" and I always set bedtime infront of boys and babysitter so all agreed upfront etc.

Good point about workspace to, he seems a diligent boy so I'd like to support that. Just had texts with him today actually and received a "free all next week, any time you like can help" response so I'm delighted!
Thanks

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