Is it ok to leave siblings at this age?

[SparklePuppy]

I know theres been a couple of threads today about babysitting but what age is ok to babysit a younger sibling? I was thinking of dating again but I don’t have help with child care so I was thinking is it ok for my 14 year old to babysit my 9 year old if I was to go out on dates in the evening? I guess it’s no different to meeting a friend? Is this age ok? do other parents leave kids these age in the evening?

It depends on whether they are sensible and how well they get on. Some kids of 15 and 17 wouldn't be safe to leave!

Yes if you think your 14 yo can handle it. Most can.

I've left my kids at about these ages together while I went out for the evening with friends - it's been a slow build up since going out in the day for shopping, or taking one to school and the other staying home (covid of course kicked all that off).

And my kids don't fight, don't get up to shenanigans really, and are calm and sensible.

So if your kids will be like that, and they feel comfortable with the idea, then go for it I say.

Oh yes completely sensible

I would suggest just not getting home too late if you did this. But I do think it’s fine for a sensible 14 year old and 9 year old to be left for the odd evening providing clear instructions for an emergency were given and understood and if you had a neighbour who could be called upon if needed.

I wouldn’t go out till late anyway. 9pm latest

Of course OP.
I was babysitting overnight until 3 pm for 3 kids from when I was 13.

A young girl on our street has recently moved in her own house with her partner and baby and she is only just turned 17.

Please ignore all the people on these types of threads who mollycoddle their children for far too long. They only exist online.

I leave my 13 year old and 8 year old for 2.5 hours in the evening once a week but my partner is near enough to be home in 10 minutes if needed. I think I would do it in your position if was coming home by 11, was not far away and it wasn't too often. I don't think other people's views matter too much with this kind of thing; you know your children and your comfort levels.

I think I would yes, if the 14 year old was sensible and the 9 year old fairly obedient and not likely to try to take the piss.

It definitely depends on the children.

There is 17 months between my two and I cant imagine a time I'll ever be able to leave them in the house alone together.

I think it’s fine.

Thanks all yeah very sensible no issues at all. Think I will go for it!

You know your own children. Certainly I would expect to leave a 14 year old for the evening, but with siblings it depends on the relationship, and the maturity of both of them .