How young is to young to babysit?

[jtur88]

When I was 6-8 years old, I was out all day playing in the neighborhood and nearby parks with kids who were all under 12. My mother didn't even know who some of them were. Yes, we all got hurt, that's how kids grow up, but No I was never harmed (nor was anybody else), because real harm is and was extremely improbable, less than the risks of things that can't be controlled. (In those days, that included polio. If you want to know what it is like to be afraid for your kids, try that on for size. Everything else healed or set.)

I can't see the difference between being outdoors playing, and being in my own home, when accompanied by people who are under 12. If you can't raise your 6-year old to be responsible for himself, don't blame it on the baby sitter.

[jojo61397]

Originally Posted by Jazzii

Maybe it's because I am a teenager but ( no offense to anyone) I couldn't see myself hiring a 12 year old. Idk in my eyes not matter how mature they are I still feel like theyre babies lol. And to the person who mentioned " package" I know what you mean, that was he condition first time I babysat haha

LOL, I agree with you... I would prefer someone in the mid-to-late teens.

[eastwesteastagain]

Originally Posted by Jazzii

Maybe it's because I am a teenager but ( no offense to anyone) I couldn't see myself hiring a 12 year old. Idk in my eyes not matter how mature they are I still feel like theyre babies lol. And to the person who mentioned " package" I know what you mean, that was he condition first time I babysat haha

Hmm, I wonder if it's just that times have changed since the (ahem, cough, cough) 20-some-odd-years ago that I was babysitting.

Although, as a parent now, I would want someone more experienced as my kids are still very young. I think as they get older, I will still feel comfortable with a neighborhood teen/ friend of the family at 14, but check in with me in a few years!