What's the youngest age of a babysitter that you'd trust?

DH's cousin is getting married in a couple of weeks and we can't get a sitter. Mostly because it's the weekend of spring break so all the babysitters are going out of town! We have a regular gal who's great (she's 22) and of course she's leaving town, and she even asked all of her friends that she'd recommend as a replacement, but they're all out of town as well. DH's aunt is a middle school teacher and she asked another teacher friend of hers if she had any recs. She did, but they're both freshman in high school. Now, I think if this was someone whom I knew well, and she lived nearby (so her mom would be home just in case) then maybe I'd think about it. Or maybe if the boys were already in bed, and she just had to sit downstairs and make sure the the house doesn't burn down. But I just feel like a freshman in high school, even if they are at the magnet school, most responsible kid ever, seems awfully young to ask to get 2 not quite 3 year olds in bed for the night. I babysat when I was about that age, and honestly, looking back, I wonder what on earth that mom was thinking! I was SOOO not ready to care for a baby! So what do you think? Am I being over-protective?

 

I know a few kids in highschool that I would trust. I guess it just depends on the teenager. I would have to know them though before I just trusted in 'ol teenager -or- in your case really trust the person who is recommending them.

 

I think it depends so on the teenager. My neighbor across the street is 13, and she was 11 (almost 12) when she started babysitting for us. My husband and I were the teachers of her Sunday School class. The first time she came over I did a double take to how little she looked! A lot of times she'll bring her 9 year old sister to help, and her mom is right across the street. I feel comfortable with her, I guess because I started babysitting at 11.

 

depends on the sitter...I put down 17 because that's how old my cousin is and I'd probably let her watch them...our regular babysitter is 23 and she was the kids daycare teacher before they switched...she's used to handling 10 kids at a time so I put alot more trust in her...

 

I agree that it completely depends on the teenager. I'd have no problem letting my 12 year old cousin babysit, but was still uncomfortable with my SIL when she was 19.

 

I would never allow any one under the age of 21 to watch my kids unless they were family and I trusted them completely,

 

Depends on the kid, the sitter, and the situation. We've had our high-school-age neighbor sit for us, but that's because her parents are right next door, and they make a point to be home if she's babysitting. So, I know there are adults close by if needed.

BUT, I would never have her put my kids to bed -- she's just not capable. My kiddos would run circles around her! We only have her if we want to go out late, after the kids are in bed.

I've had a high school kid from Nadia's school babysit K&K for just a couple hours while I took Nadia somewhere. She didn't have to do anything besides play with them, and maybe give them some Cheerios.

For more intensive babysitting, longer-term, or putting the kids to bed, I'd ask an adult.

 

It depends on the situation, but I put "under 13" since I know two 12 year olds who are very responsible and great with my kids. We'd never have them put the kids to bed, but I don't think I trust anyone to put my kids to bed successfully except myself, DH and MIL. However, these 12 year olds are great at watching them for an hour or two during the day or for a few hours at night after the kids are in bed.

 

uuum... it totally depends...

I have to admit I have allowed my 8 year old to put the twins (3) to bed the last few nights because she has pleaded too. She has done a GREAT job!

I often pay my 10 year old to watch them in the basement (with me home and listening...or asleep)

It depends on the circumstances. These are obviously the exceptions, but if you feel comfortable - who is to judge? I feel I did my best babysitting at 11-14 - there were no friends or homework to distract me!

 

I voted under 13, but it is with a huge caveat. It totally depends on the sitter.

For example, I was babysitting someone else's 6 year old when I was 11. I was the oldest of 5 children, watched my younger siblings regularly, and this was my mom's good friend. In that kind of situation, I'd surely trust an 11 year old too (not overnight or anything, but to occasionally sit).

But my regular sitter, MIL, is much, much older. I did have the neighbor's 15 year old watch them once, but her parents are right next door and were home the entire time.

 

I put under 13, but it totally depends on the sitter. My nieces all babysat at 12 years old and they are very responsible. I have also had my friends' kids babysit them when we are down the Cape. We are usually on the property as well (unless we go to dinner as well), but are at an event with our cell phones on. The girls down there were 12 and 13 when they started watching our kids.

If I didn't know the sitter well, I would have a hard time leaving the kids with her regardless of her age. If you have her (the high school freshman) come over a couple of times between now and then to get to know you and the kids, you may feel more comfortable leaving for a bit.

 

Ok great- I think all of you pretty much are thinking along the same lines I am. If it were a next door neighbor or relative, whom we knew well, and her parents would be home, then I think I'd be alright. But since it's not... I think you are all on the same page: not so much!

I just know DH's aunt's going to ask if I called these girls, and I didn't want to seem untrusting, but I don't think I'm going to worry about it. That's just too young for someone I don't know.

 

My daughter is 14 & she can put L&L to bed by herself & has been able to for awhile, but I don't know that I would trust someone that age that doesn't know them & their routine. I also doubt L&L would be comfortable with someone that they aren't familiar with either. ardon:

 

I voted 14, but I'm referring to the twin's half sister who is 14. When she comes over on the weekends, she's happy to watch the kids while SO and I run some errands or go out to eat. We trust her all the time and the twins adore her.