Siblings babysitting..

[MiniMilkBottle]

I know all kids are different but just as a general when did you leave siblings to babysit younger ones? I’m a single parent ive brought up my kids entirely alone, ive not had a single day or night off in almost a decade. Now my oldest is reaching 14 do you think that’s an acceptable age to babysit in the evening for a few hours? When did others start allowing it?

Yes, I’d be happy for a sensible 14 year old to babysit. I’d start with a couple of hours and not going far away and build up from there.

Dd was 14 and ds was 6 when we went to the pub round the corner...

Depends if they actually have to do anything. I don't think a sibling should be responsible for a child who is awake. I'd also want them to be able to cope with an emergency evacuation in a fire or contact neighbours if you had an accident when out and couldn't get home.

No they wouldnt have to do anything and yes have a phone and know how to call emergency services

I think it’s fair enough if they’re paid, as you would any other babysitter.

Edited because posted on wrong thread!