Babysitter's Age

[huey duey & luey]

What age do you think a babysitter should be? We have a 15 year old down the street that my husband wants to use, but I am not sure. We actually would probably use her and a friend. I said maybe once the kids are asleep and because her mom would be 2 doors away. but Im still nervous. we were suppossed to go to a party tonight, but I wouldnt given in and use the babysitter. Was I being ridicolous?
I think my DH is a little annoyed right now.
Tara

 

[powellrj]

I have used sitters that age before, its usually hard to find sitters much older than that because once they start driving and/or get a boyfriend they aren't interested in babysitting.

 

[MHopkins2]

Not knowing the 15 year old in question, it's impossible to say for sure - she could have the maturity and responsibility of a 10 year old. However... Playing the averages, yes, sorry, I think you were probably being a little ridiculous and your DH is right to be annoyed. Unless you have triplet infants or some similarly difficult situation, the average 15 yo is more than acceptable IMO.

 

[huey duey & luey]

yeah triplets but not infants

 

[Pin Wizard]

I started babysitting at 13. I took the American Red Cross babysitter's course also. If they had the course, I probably wouldn't hesitate. Can you find out if they did?

 

[mtemm]

I'd love a 15 year old! by 16 the kids here stop babysitting, 15 they are already close to dropping babysitting and are few and far between. We've only left my son once with a non-family member...and since we no longer live near family its our only real choice. It worked out fine. She was almost 14 (my son is 22 months) and had been babysitting for 3 years, had taken a babysitting course and was certified in cpr. She's a gem and we will use her again.

I also have two 11 year olds who are dying to babysit for my son, but I just can't do it. When the twins come this spring they'll be great mothers helpers, but I can't leave them alone with him. Although I have heard one of them did sit for 2 children in the neighborhood recently, at night all alone. Nope, not gonna happen here.

 

[JetMom]

How old are your children? My gus are 11, 9, and 5 and my friends 15 year old daughter has watched them before. She gives them dinner (we order pizza before we leave and give her the money) , plays with them all evening and puts them to bed. We never had anyone that young babysit them when they weren't potty-trained though.

I, personally, began baby-sitting at 13. At 15 I was babysitting a family with 4 children (2 in diapers)>

Basically, it depends on the capability of the sitter and the needs of your children.

If you are uncomfortable, maybe you could start by having her come over and watch them for an hour or two while you work around the house. That way you can see her in action (but you can't hover in the same room because that would defeat the purpose). Once you know that she is capable of taking care of the children you will not feel so nervous and you will be able to enjoy getting out of the house.

 

[DanceBabe16]

I took the Red Cross babysitting training course at the age of 11 and was babysitting for a few families when I was 12. By 13, I had one family that I regularly babysat for (usually once a week). I became really close with them and stayed with them for about 3 years but they moved away about a year ago, when I was 16. Since then, I find it hard to accept babysitting offers since I'm usually working or out with my friends when parents need me...Early-teens are most often the best bets for babysitters - my younger sister's just now getting into it, in fact

 

[luvdzny]

DD is 14 and started babysitting at 12, after she took the Red Cross course. She has a bunch of "regular" sitting jobs, one family has 3 kids under 8. She has started turning down a lot of jobs this year since she started high school. In our area it is hard to find a sitter that is over 15. By then they usually have part time jobs or are too busy with their social lives.

 

[monarchsfan16]

i'm 17 now, still babysitting (easier with my school/activities schedule then a part time job)...i started babysitting for people besides family at age 14...i have a friend that was babysitting regularly for a toddler and infant at age 13...it all depends on what the prospective sitter is like...i know kids my age that couldn't be trusted, then there are other kids that are unbelieveably responsible and dependable (like my friend)...i guess it's best to just get to know the person...

 

[believe]

If I don't know them well...then they don't babysit, no matter what the age is. I have always had adults watch the girls until just a few weeks ago. My 14yr old nephew came over. He is very mature, knows all the how-to's and I would trust him even with a toddler. Now ask me about my nieces or a few of my other nephews and I would say "No Way!" even though they are the same age as my nephew who did babysit.

 

[Manda1219]

I started at 13 as well (I was CPR certified at 10-although that was from a Jr. Lifeguarding class I had taken). I never had a problem. The first time I babysat an infant (he was only about a month old) I was 16, and I've been with that family ever since-although now it's really just a once in a while thing.
My best advice is this-
If you're not 100% comfortable, invite her over one night while you and DH have some things to do-cleaning, bills, whatever. See how she handles the kids. Let her give them dinner, or order a pizza or something. Check in occassionally, but give her space. This way, not only do the kids get comfortable, but so do you. If she is unwilling to do this, she probably has some sort of ulterior motive and should not be watching the kids. If she is responsible and going to be good to the kids, she won't mind.
If you do decide to leave her alone, don't be afraid to call and check in every few hours. It's a babysitters job to help the parents, and not feel inconvenienced by them. Good Luck!

 

[Keli]

Assuming the 15 year old is as mature as most 15 year olds then yes, I would have left my children with her.

 

[MHopkins2]

If she is unwilling to do this, she probably has some sort of ulterior motive and should not be watching the kids.

I don't know that I agree with this. I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing to suggest, but I wouldn't interpret resistance as a huge red flag and certainly wouldn't think there was an "ulterior motive." (LOL - what kind of UM would there be for a babysitter anyway? The pay isn't THAT good!) By the time I was 15, I'd been babysitting for 3 years. If someone had suggested that I "trial run," unless I really needed the cash, I'd probably think they were too high maintenance to mess with.

My suggestion if you're still feeling nervous is to ask her for a reference or two. That's fairly "standard practice," and the other parents can give you a good picture of how she was with their kids. And honestly, anyone can fake being good with kids for an hour or two if they need the job bad enough - past "bosses" would IMO be a better gauge.

 

[Manda1219]

I used the wrong wording...LOL, I didn't mean that she would be trying to corrupt the children, or steal anything, I just meant she might not be all that interested in the kid and just be in it for the money and be one of those that sits on the phone watching TV (A friend of mine used to do this!! Needless to say the parents found out and were not too happy!) Haha sorry for the confusion! I wasn't implying she had a terror on her hands! I'm just a little shaken up today

 

[huey duey & luey]

I do know the girl, and her family they live 2 doors away. She does comeover occassionally to play with the kids. She also babysits for another neighbor. I have only left them with family members and my close friend, therefore I have created somewhat clingy children. Lets face it most sane people arent jumpng at the chance to watch 3 very active toddlers so nights out have been very limited. I definately think I will try her out, first for a short time, when i will be local. thanks for the advice. I should have realized the age is average for sitters as I have a 17 year old niece who I can never get to sit for me
Tara

 

[MHopkins2]

Originally posted by Manda1219
I used the wrong wording...LOL, I didn't mean that she would be trying to corrupt the children, or steal anything, I just meant she might not be all that interested in the kid and just be in it for the money and be one of those that sits on the phone watching TV (A friend of mine used to do this!! Needless to say the parents found out and were not too happy!) Haha sorry for the confusion! I wasn't implying she had a terror on her hands! I'm just a little shaken up today

Heh. Gotcha - I just got confused by "ulterior motive!"

 

[Manda1219]

Heh. Gotcha - I just got confused by "ulterior motive!"

LOL I figured that...I'm a bit out of it today and couldn't think of the right wording! I've been in a Jessica Simpson state of mind the past few days!

 

[MHopkins2]

Just keep repeating the following: "Platypus. Tuna = fish. Leaving enormous mountain of clothes in the entryway of my mansion? NOT OK." until the moment passes.

 

[Manda1219]

Hahaha
my favorite moment is from last night, the breif version is in my sig.
We were playing with my boyfriends digital camera and the conversation below ensued....I felt like such an idiot, but we laughed about it for a good 10 mins!