At what age can older sibling start babysitting?

[Anonymous]

Obviously you’re being trolled. No one really thinks having an older sibling watch a younger sibling for short periods of time is inappropriate.

My 13 year old boy babysits his 9 year old sister occasionally. Since he turned thirteen during this bullshit of a year, that’s been while his dad is at work and I run to the grocery store or to pick up books at the library. Sometimes they’re both “in school.” To be honest, he’s waited years to be old enough for the two of them to stay home together because he sees it as a milestone.

And no, the 9 year old doesn’t do chores while they’re home together. And she didn’t clear the table when she was 3 and he was 7 either. Also, I plan to make her clean at our home when her brother no longer has to clean because he doesn’t live here anymore. That’s not some bizarre double standard, that’s just how life works.

When I was home from college in the summers I watched my niece from 8-12 while her mom worked and then headed to my own job later. I never asked for payment for that because I was helping my sister.

I wouldn’t make my 13 year old my primary caregiver unless there was absolutely no way to work and survive otherwise, but that’s not what you are taking about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have three kids - K, 4th and 6th. All three have sports and DH will usually just pick up one for practice while others stay home. Sometimes I have to do it and lug all three. And what age is it appropriate for oldest to stay home and watch youngest? Our oldest will be 7th next year. She's mature for her age and definitely our responsible one, though we've yet to leave her at home yet. I'm looking forward to a day when I'm not dragging everyone out together.

I read the comments on this post with great amazement. Yes of COURSE it is ok for your 6th grader to watch the youngest! That's a 12-year old watching a 5-yeat old. I am assuming that the care you require is not along the lines of feeding or bathing but rather the standard is "both kids are alive and in one piece when I come home". Of course it's OK. Why would it not be?

My 10-year old has been staying home alone for 1 to 3 hours for a while now. He has the house keys, a bike and the run of the fridge. And he has watched his 5-year old sister for an hour or two. They've gone to the park together and back.

Of course you don't have to drag all three to practice. Make it easy on yourself and your kids.

Agree. Reading some of these responses is like landing on another planet. Does not resonate in the slightest. Genuinely curious if there's a cultural or geographic component to the "never" responses? I'm solidly east coast suburban and urban and that type of response is totally surprising.

It also sounds like a lot of ppl have built up resentment over how they were treated as kids. Me? I loved loved the opportunities to stay home with my younger sibling especially if it meant missing my older brother's sports. And even better when my older brother got to stay home with me when my younger one had stuff.

OP here. Thanks to all you folks with the helpful comments. I'm disregarding the "never" and "your children will be scarred for life and hate their siblings" nonsense. Eldest was psyched to be allowed to watch little sister during the time I took middle kid to soccer. She felt good about the independence and the fact that she got to lay on the couch and watch Netflix instead of sitting in the car by the soccer field. We have a landline phone in the house for emergencies in case they need to reach me. They sat and watched TV and didn't move.

Thanks all for your help!