Would it be ok to leave 4 and 2 year old with 16 year old.

[Motherofdragons24]

We have a family event coming up and DH would like to attend, problem is the only people we have ever left the kids with (apart from nursery) is my parents who will also be at the event. Out next door neighbour has a 16 year old daughter and I was thinking of asking her if she would babysit to earn some money. We’re not friends with the neighbours exactly but certainly neighbourly and friendly. They’re lovely people. The daughter shows an interest in my kids and chats to them across the wall and her mums frequently says how much she loves listening to them play in the garden etc. obviously we would pay her and I get the feeling she would agree. She seems on the face of it, a very sensible girl and her parents would be right next door if there was any problems, I’m certain they would step in if any issues and are responsible people (GP and head teacher). We would get the kids to sleep before going out and they would most certainly sleep through. Any issues I’m not seeing? I’m just a bit nervous as 16 still feels quite young to me but DH thinks it would be absolutely fine.

I would. I’d initially ask her to mind them for a short time while you popped out somewhere locally and see how it goes. I had a fabulous 17 year old who babysat for me and was very responsible and great with the DC.

I didn't miss it but it seems optimistic to just hope they don't wake up and have someone who has no experience of what to do if they don't stay asleep. Small kids are not reliable at behaving the same way for others and I'd want someone who could cope with resettling my child without having to call for help from someone else if they woke up, which is likely especially if they know mum and dad are not at home.

We got our 16 yo neighbour to babysit when ours were that age, or possibly younger. She did whole days. Her mum was home for emergencies and she took them to her house for any messy activities. It was great.