Babysitting ages?

[Anonymous]

Would you let your 11 almost 12 year old watch your 7 year old after school everyday for an hour and a half? Or wait until he’s 12 almost 13?

[Anonymous]

Hahaha. No. Never.

Some states have laws re this. In MD, you must be 13 to babysit.

[Anonymous]

Yes, depending on the personalities involved. My just-turned-12 year old is very mature and responsible for her age.

[Anonymous]

What state are you in? If in MD, be careful. MD has actual ages in its law. Few states have that. VA doesn't specify an age. If your oldest kid is the responsible type, I'm sure it would be fine from a practical perspective but you don't want CPS knocking at your door.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would you let your 11 almost 12 year old watch your 7 year old after school everyday for an hour and a half? Or wait until he’s 12 almost 13?

Why do you want to make youlmr older child work for you? I think it will strain the bond if one is constantly in charge. Just hire someone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would you let your 11 almost 12 year old watch your 7 year old after school everyday for an hour and a half? Or wait until he’s 12 almost 13?

Why do you want to make youlmr older child work for you? I think it will strain the bond if one is constantly in charge. Just hire someone.

Think.
1. Some parents believe in giving their kids responsibility in appropriate incremental amounts. So OP is trying to figure out if this is OK.
2. Not everyone is as entitled and flush with funds as you are. Enjoy your advantages but try to expand your viewpoint.
-someone who grew up in a single-parent home due to an unexpected early death of parent

[Anonymous]

My kids are right on the cusp, 12 and 9. They are pretty self sufficient. I’m not sure what an actual babysitter would do. I still hire one if my oldest will not be home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would you let your 11 almost 12 year old watch your 7 year old after school everyday for an hour and a half? Or wait until he’s 12 almost 13?

Why do you want to make youlmr older child work for you? I think it will strain the bond if one is constantly in charge. Just hire someone.

Think.
1. Some parents believe in giving their kids responsibility in appropriate incremental amounts. So OP is trying to figure out if this is OK.
2. Not everyone is as entitled and flush with funds as you are. Enjoy your advantages but try to expand your viewpoint.
-someone who grew up in a single-parent home due to an unexpected early death of parent

I find your response very rude and off putting. It is perfectly appropriaye to ask the questions to the op.

I don't think it is fair to make the oldet child babysit their sibling everyday. Once in while. Fine. Maybe I hit a nerve and that is why you attacked. You are the adult. It is your job to figure this out. Not your child.

[Anonymous]

Not every day. I think that's just too much. At that age, with two kids of similar ages, we left them occasionally but not daily.

[Anonymous]

Has 11 taken a babysitting course?

Is 7 well behaved?

Do they argue or does 11 ever bug 7? If so I think every day is too much. IME (3 year age gap, started letting 11 babysit 8, now 12 & 9) they bicker and have more issues if I get 12 to babysit more than 8 or so hours a week.

Is the 1.5 hours going to be iPad time or actual babysitting? If just iPad time then nothing to worry about so long as 11 is responsible and house safe, both kids are comfortable being alone, and they have neighbors who could help close by.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would you let your 11 almost 12 year old watch your 7 year old after school everyday for an hour and a half? Or wait until he’s 12 almost 13?

Why do you want to make youlmr older child work for you? I think it will strain the bond if one is constantly in charge. Just hire someone.

Think.
1. Some parents believe in giving their kids responsibility in appropriate incremental amounts. So OP is trying to figure out if this is OK.
2. Not everyone is as entitled and flush with funds as you are. Enjoy your advantages but try to expand your viewpoint.
-someone who grew up in a single-parent home due to an unexpected early death of parent

I find your response very rude and off putting. It is perfectly appropriaye to ask the questions to the op.

I don't think it is fair to make the oldet child babysit their sibling everyday. Once in while. Fine. Maybe I hit a nerve and that is why you attacked. You are the adult. It is your job to figure this out. Not your child.

12 & 9 poster here and OP didn't say if she was or wasn't paying 11. FWIW I pay 12 $5 an hour to babysit her brother. Because she does a really good job and I appreciate her commitment to being home.
And IME they are closer together and hang out more after babysitting days. Youngest has to be responsible too (just as he would be expected to be with any babysitter).

[Anonymous]

I would not because the guideline from CPS says 8-12 can be responsible for selves bit not another child. So 7 is to young to be alone and 11 is too young to be in charge. I might leave them them both for 15-20 mins to walk a dog or something but not an hour and a half on a regular basis.