What age do you let your older kids babysit their younger siblings?

[queenceleste]

I know there is no law and it depends on the maturity of the child. But my ds is nearly 14 and looks after dd (6) for short periods during the day time (up to 20 minutes). But i've never gone out for an evening and left them yet.
I think he would be absolutely fine but I sort of want to wait til he's 14, it feels more responsible of me.
What age are other people leaving their older kids to babysit younger ones?

bump

I was younger but tbh I hated it. I only have one but if I decide to have more it's not something I would ask them to do. If they offer for payment, may be different.

We had DS babysit from aged 14. the younger kids would go to bed first. We pay him very well so get no complaining from him!

Would you have considered having a 14 year old babysitting your DS when he was 6? Does depend on level of maturity, how long for, whether you have trusted neighbours etc....

I would think that the odd daytime short period is fine, but an evening might prove too much.

My eldest boys are 12 and 10, quite often they will watch (together or seperately) their younger brothers (3&1) during the day whilst I am upstairs sorting laundry or taking a bath etc. Or for an hour in the evening whilst I'm putting one or the other to bed. I don't leave the house though.

So do you think 16 to babysit for an evening is about right? I think ds will be ready easily by 15.