Would you let a teen babysit if you barely know their parents?

[GirouxSein]

A neighbour’s daughter (14) offered to babysit for us. She seems mature and my kid likes her, but I barely know the parents beyond a few friendly chats at the door.
I know lots of people had babysitting jobs at that age but it still makes me hesitate because there’s no real reference. My husband thinks I’m overthinking and it’s a good chance to get some help locally.
Would you let your child be watched by someone that young when you don’t really know the family, or would you politely decline?

My DD was babysitting at that age, we knew nothing about the parents of her charges, and they knew nothing of us. DD was recommended by another family.

If my child was a rock solid sleeper and I was going to put them to bed first and be local so all she had to do was listen out and call if they woke up/there was an emergency, then yes.

I wouldn't use her for daytime (kids are awake) sole charge childcare because she's too young and you don't know her well enough. But I would use when I was also in the house, get to know her, establish a relationship between her and the children and then build from there.

Has she done a first aid course? That's something I would want her to do before I left her in charge while I wasn't there.

I have done that several times. There were no problems at all.

If it would ease your mind, would you consider having this girl over a few times when you're there, to do a mother's helper thing so you could see how she gets on with your child and how your child responds to you (you'd keep an eye from a distance)...

Same with my DDs.

Not knowing the girl I would aim for a bit older.
I have 14 yo girls helping at Girl Guides I would happily use to babysit todlers but I know them well.
We pay a first aid course for our babysitter if they haven't done one.

Depends on how long / where you will be going out to. E.g could you get back in 10 mins if needs be?

Also, depends on the child age that is being baby sat. Is it a single child or do you have multiple children. Once a child get it into their heads they want mummy sometimes the crying doesn’t stop and I think that’s difficult for a 14 yr old to deal with. Plus 14 year olds love snap chat. If you want a b sitter I would use a nanny unless you using her for a play buddy and your wfh etc.

I babysat for a few families at this age. Some knew my parents and not me, others knew me but not my parents as I was recommended by other families.

That feels like a really sensible way of looking at it. My child is a good sleeper, so the idea of a short evening while we’re close by feels much more doable than daytime care. I also like the suggestion of easing into it while we’re still around rather than jumping straight to full responsibility. First aid is a good point too — I hadn’t thought to ask but I probably should.

No

That's too young for me. I wouldnt have left my DC with a 14 yo.

I suppose if I knew the 14 year old well. I wouldn’t let any random I didn’t know in my house to look after my children though. The only reason I’d be bothered about the parents is if they’d be helping her.