Is this wrong?

[AC7179]

I have a 12 year old (13 in August) stepdaughter that is in the 7th grade. She is VERY responsible about the big stuff (door locking, seatbelt wearing, lying, etc.) and somewhat responsible about the little stuff (forgets lunch money or homework occasionally.)
I also have an 18 month old baby.
The baby goes to bed at 7:00. Sometimes, my hubby and I will run to Walmart while she sleeps and leave her with my 12 year old. We have a moniter that would go off if the baby stops breathing. (Unlikely, I know, but still.) The 12 yo has instructions that if that went off to call 911. She also knows what to do in the event of a fire and not to answer the door.
Anyway, my mom FREAKED when she found out I did that. She also freaked when we were at Disneyland last week and I let the 12 year old watch the 18 month old in the tv room while we were checking in.
Just wanted to get other's opinions. Be honest! I didn't think I was doing anything wrong but others may disagree.

 

[Aidensmom]

I babysat other people's children when I was 12. I don't see a problem with it at all.

 

[SleepyMom]

For me it would depend on the 12 year old. My oldest DD was babysitting at that age, but younger DD who is 12 right now does not babysit yet. Also, it depends on the age being watched, I probably wouldn't be comfortable with a little baby (newborn to a year) being watched by a 12 year old, but older ones would be OK.

If you feel she is mature and responsible enough then I don't see a problem.

 

[DisneyGirl421]

I've been babysitting my neighbor's kids since I was around 12. The youngest kid I ever sat for was 2. So I don't think there's anything wrong with that...

 

[daisyduck123]

I don't see anything wrong with that. My DD11 watches DS8 all the time while I run to the store, although this is in the daytime...not at night.

 

[FreshTressa]

Sounds normal to me!

Sounds like my mom...she freaks about anything I do.

 

[luvdzne]

I think if you feel she is responsable, then I would say it is o.k.

I started babysitting when I was 10, dd is 11 and watches dd7 and has done so for about a year now. We don't leave them alone at night, and I do let a neighbor know so if there is a problem there is someone close.

 

[pixiemomma]

Not a big deal. I babysat my sister's children at 12.

 

[Michie]

I let my 8 year old watch my 19 year old

It sounds like your DD is a great sister!

 

[kbkids]

I don't see a problem with it. I've been tempted to leave my 8 yr old to run around the corner - haven't done it!! - don't start with me people! But I think a 12 yr old is plenty old enough to babysit for an 18 month old. I was babysitting a family regularly when I was 12 that had a 6 month old, a 3 yr old, and a 5 yr old. They even invited me to go to Disney World with them to keep the kids at the hotel so they could go out. It was Christmas week though, so I didn't go because I wanted to be with my family.

 

[DVC Jen]

No it isn't wrong at all. A lot of times Grandparents seen their grandkids as always very very young and not able to be responsible.

I also have a nearly 13 yr old and i would do the same thing you are.

 

[lindalinda]

I think it is perfectly ok. That being said, the hospitals where I live offer babysitting courses. I think just about every 12 yr old should take them if they can, even if they dont normally babysit. They give some really helpful info. Maybe your mom would feel better about it if she took one of these courses?

 

[Nancy]

I don't see a problem with it.

So true about the grandmas though. My MIL thinks my girls are still under 10.

 

[clh2]

Unfortunately, it really is difficult to tell your (or any) mom to MYOB.

Obviously, you trust your step-DD in this situation, or you wouldn't do it.

My DD (almost 12) babysits a family in our subdivision with a 7yo, 4yo and a 10 month old. Now, for the record, the baby is always sleeping by the time they go out!

 

[Stacerita]

I dont see a problem with it. You obviously trust her or you wouldn't let her sit for the baby. Im thinking your mom might be somewhat like mine.....they seem to think they are the only ones who can watch the baby properly. And its not like you are leaving her in charge for extended periods of time or in difficult situations. The baby is asleep or while checking in she was entertained and near where you were. Let it go and dont worry about it. If you trust her I would keep letting her watch the baby.

 

[noahynav]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I was babysitting my younger brothers and sisters younger than that. In fact, by age 13 I was watching my half bothers and sister (3 kids total) all day over my summer break. They were ages 4, 2, and 3 months old. Granted I was very mature for my age, but you obviously feel that your stepdaughter is mature too or I doubt you would feel comfortable leaving her with your baby.

 

[nliedel]

I babysat at 12. I guess it would depend on your daughter, where you live and things like that.

The good news is unless there is a condition like apnea your baby is "over the hump" for SIDS by now. There have been some cases reported as late as two but there are mitigating or suspicious circumstances in most of those cases.

 

[Beth76]

As long as you feel she's responsible, there should be no problem. I started babysitting when I was 11. And I think an older sibling who really knows the child would be an even better choice.

 

[Beth76]

The good news is unless there is a condition like apnea your baby is "over the hump" for SIDS by now. There have been some cases reported as late as two but there are mitigating or suspicious circumstances in most of those cases.

If this is the concern it doesn't matter who is with the child. Once the "symptoms" (for lack of better word) start an infant can not be revived.

 

[cruisnfamily]

We have a moniter that would go off if the baby stops breathing. (Unlikely, I know, but still.)

Is there some condition that might cause the baby to stop breathing?

If this is a normal healthy 18mo old, I don't see any reason your 12yo couldn't babysit. If there are health concerns that might change things but otherwise, I don't see the problem?