baby sitting age

[r33ceh]

My eldest is 14 and wants to start baby sitting too earn some Pennies!!
What age did you start baby sitting? (for ex baby sitters)
Or how old is your baby sitter? (for parents)
What is the going rate?

[Ms Thrifty]

I don't want to deter your daughter but I was always a reluctant babysitter and did as little as possible, and not until I was A-Level age. My mother impressed on me what a huge responsibility it was and that whilst it would normally be fine, I'd have to consider what to do in the event of any sort of emergency, e.g. choking, fits, etc. I suppose it depends on the age of the child(ren), but actual babies worried me too much, whereas toddlers onwards weren't so bad.

[SocialFlutterBy]

I started baby sitting at 14/15, however i would not recommend it! Babysitting comes with huge responsibility and i would say far too much for a child x

Also as a parent no way would i leave my children with another child, would they panic in a medical emergency, say for example if the kid has an accident or even a fit of some sort. It's such a grey area nowadays too for example if you hire a childminder as a parent you expect them to be qualified i would not say a 14 yr old is no matter how mature they are, as for the going rate i really do not know! i haven't used a babysitter or childminder we have Granny and if i suggested p*ying her she would throttle me lol we are just extra nice to her and treat her often x

[jojojoanne]

I wouldn't have left my babies with a 14 year old. I too only ever let the grandparents babysit (and they had to force me to do that!!) I have teens now and although they are all really good with younger kids and babies, I would still be reluctant to let them babysit. Has she thought of earning money praps washing neighbours' cars, clearing the leaves in their gardens at this time of year?

[canadian_turtle]

I was 13 when my sister was born and 17 when my brother was born and in both cases I was the assigned babysitter as we lived far away from any relatives/grannys. It was absolutely fine for me but then I did live with them as well so knew what my parents did to take care of them when they were there themselves.

[jojojoanne]

My Sister used to babysit when she was around the same age for our neighbour who had two very young toddlers. My Mum okayed it because, in case of an emergency, my Sister was only next door and could run to my Mum for help. My Mum always specified that my Sister had to be home by 12. One night (a school night!), the neighbours weren't home by 12 ... this was pre-mobile days, so you couldn't even phone them to ask where they were. My Sister was told to come home and my Mum took over the babysitting ... the parents didn't arrive home until 2.30 in the morning!! My Mum was livid!! She had to get up for work the next day and the parents turned up blind drunk!! Needless to say, my Sister was never allowed to babysit for them (or anyone else!) again!!

[jojojoanne]

I was 13 when my sister was born and 17 when my brother was born and in both cases I was the assigned babysitter as we lived far away from any relatives/grannys. It was absolutely fine for me but then I did live with them as well so knew what my parents did to take care of them when they were there themselves.

Yea, I think it's different if it's your siblings and you're in your own home too.

[SocialFlutterBy]

I was 13 when my sister was born and 17 when my brother was born and in both cases I was the assigned babysitter as we lived far away from any relatives/grannys. It was absolutely fine for me but then I did live with them as well so knew what my parents did to take care of them when they were there themselves.

I think when it's a Sibling (depending on maturity) of course, that's different

My 14yr old son erm.... not a chance! haha!

[McG]

[quote="jojojoanne"]My Sister used to babysit when she was around the same age for our neighbour who had two very young toddlers. My Mum okayed it because, in case of an emergency, my Sister was only next door and could run to my Mum for help. quote]
I think this can be the best apart from granny . . . there is a feeling of being responsible/independent but someone more responsible is very close at hand!
Babysitting is a great first step into the world of work for lots of girls and also the first money earned from outside the family.

[r33ceh]

I was 13 when my sister was born and 17 when my brother was born and in both cases I was the assigned babysitter as we lived far away from any relatives/grannys. It was absolutely fine for me but then I did live with them as well so knew what my parents did to take care of them when they were there themselves.

I think when it's a Sibling (depending on maturity) of course, that's different

My 14yr old son erm.... not a chance! haha!

Well i was thinking of trialing with her siblings, to see how she gets on. and just going out for a few hours. up until now it has been,
grandparents, but they are planning a move in march, so then we'll have no-one..... which as you can imagine will play havoc with my free film showings ...tut