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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

13 year old babysitting 5 year old?

18 replies

chocices · 14/02/2010 22:24

This weekend has been my birthday, valentines, and my dh's birthday. My 13 year old dd very kindly offered to babysit her 5 year old brother so that we could go for a meal at restaurant 5 doors away from home.

We didn't take her up on it, as concerned about her being too young to babysit. She's responsible, and we leave her at home now by herself for a couple of hours during the day if she doesn't want to come out with us, but always take ds with us. Much to ds dismay as he'd prefer to stay with her.

Is she too young to babysit in the evening? What's others thoughts on this?

OP posts:
AnyFucker · 14/02/2010 22:29

in those circumstances, choc, I would have done it

5 doors away ? really ?

go for it, fgs, what could happen ?

harpsichordcarrier · 14/02/2010 22:30

no she isn't too young imo in the circumstances you describe. She could come and get you in an emergency. She sounds sensible.
I think the risks are very low.
imo

MadamDeathstare · 14/02/2010 22:33

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
chocices · 14/02/2010 22:36

I may very well be going out next weekend

OP posts:
bethjeff · 24/02/2010 17:59

Enjoy, it'll be a self esteem booster for your DD as well!

iwastooearlytobeayummymummy · 25/02/2010 09:17

My DD babysat her younger sisters and brother at that age(They would have been 10,5 and 4) She also sat for other local families as they could see she was a very capable young person, and she'd even turn up with a bag full of suitable books.

As ever with these type of situations, it all depends on the indivual child. Often when there is a wider age gap like your two the elder child is much more responsible and mature dealing with younger children than their peers.

Obviously you would need to discuss how to cope with a real emergency, and maybe put certain things off limits eg using the trampoline or whatever you consider maybe a hazard in your home.My own mum always used to tell us not to cook chips!

Enjoy the offer and lavish the praise as it can only boost her sense of self worth, knowing that you trust her.

mumeeee · 27/02/2010 23:07

I was going to say 13 was to young to babysit. But with you only being 5 doors away I think that would have been fine, Also I think you could leave her brother with her for a couple of hours during the day.

brimfull · 27/02/2010 23:14

my dd babaysat her younger bother
at that age

BitOfFun · 27/02/2010 23:17

It might be different if you were in the next town and couldn't pop back at the first sign of trouble, but 13 is absolutely fine! And good point about her being an improvement on an 18 year-old stranger.

My 13 year old babysits my daughter who is nine, who has severe learning difficulties, so probably much harder work than your five your old. As long as I can get back quickly if needs be, the thirteen year old is more than capable.

Enjoy the perks of your eldest growing up a bit!

linconlass · 07/03/2010 17:53

I think its ttally fine - age is - within reason - less important than the maturity of the child.If theyare used to the little one too - i feel its totally fine - have fun....

Dollytwat · 12/03/2010 13:48

my babysitter is only 14 and she sits for DH1 who's 8 and DS2 who's 5, she's lovely, very sensible and her mother is only down the road.

It gives her some cash too.

Dollytwat · 12/03/2010 13:48

DS1 of course!

Coffeebeanz · 12/03/2010 13:50

I'm agreeing with all the above posters too.

yellowmellowX1223 · 15/03/2010 22:27

so what about a 13yr old (only one month in) boy looking after an 18month old baby while mum and boyfriend in a pub 10 mins at least away possibly overnight as well if history repeats. Is that ok? I don't think so but I may be being over dramatic. Not sure what to do/think about it and would be very keen to hear your opinions.

Lilyan · 19/03/2010 18:50

My 14 yrs old regularily looks after his 4 younger siblings whilst we go out for a couple of hours on a Friday night but I wouldn't be happy with an overnight. simply because if anything happened I'd be asleep.

When we are out at least he can text us and we can be home in 5 mins.

LynetteScavo · 19/03/2010 18:57

I think under the circumstances you describe it would be fine. But you know your DC best, and how they would both cope.

piscesmoon · 19/03/2010 19:06

It is only 5 doors away-you could be back in less than a minute. She will be fine.

ShazB · 25/03/2010 18:28

I can't believe how irresponsible you all are. A five year old should be looked after by an adult. At the age of 13 or 14, children are just learning about taking proper responsibility for themselves. It amazes me that people believe, just cos of how near it is, that it is ok to shrug off your parental responsibility and put it on a child. We all need time away from parental responsibility but that is where grandparents or aunties or very close friends come in. My children are 17 and 14. So can I ask, how far is too far? 10 doors away? Round the corner? I bet the McCanns wished an adult had been there.

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