what age was your youngest babysitter?

cuteson

Wed, Sep 17 2008, 8:55 am

I have my sister babysit many times, she's 16. I really think she's capable and I can trust her.
But I don't think I'll take an outside babysitter this age.

sunshine!

Wed, Sep 17 2008, 9:19 am

I can count on my fingers the amount of times I have left my children with anybody. But if I absolutely had to, the minimum age is 18.

wanderer

Wed, Sep 17 2008, 10:06 am

I babysat for family and neighbors since 10 years old. B'H don't remember any frightening episodes, but I myself wouldn't allow a ten year old to babysit for me. Speechless

mom21n2

Wed, Sep 17 2008, 10:09 am

I'm not sure how young is too young, but I have to add that even the "older" sitters that I've hired have done dumb things that cost them their jobs (Baruch Hashem no other consequences vis a vis the kids). It's probably safe to have a very responsible and experienced but younger-ish sitter.

flowerpower

Wed, Sep 17 2008, 10:12 am

Honestly, it's not age that is my concern-personality and experience is. I took an 18 year old senior to babysit one night. I came home an hour later to find her sleeping on my couch with negel vasser near her. What was she thinking? I had my sister babysit when she was 13 maybe-mom lived around the corner and she was really responsible. Now I have a high school girl.