Is 13 too young to babysit?

coasterqueen wrote: This past weekend a few of DH's friends threw him a "pre going away party", basically a reason for all of them to get together and act like drunkin' idiots. I obviously didn't stay long. Anyways, one of our neighbors was there and she mentioned her daughter is 13 (I didn't know that) and that she was taking a babysitting class. She offered her help and her DD's help while DH is away.

DH and I have been wanting to find a neighborhood kid to watch the girls when we feel bad about asking my parents. We hadn't found anyone because we live in the country, neighbors are few and far between. Anyways, can I trust a 13 year old with a toddler and a baby? How much would I pay someone to watch them?

A&A'smommy replied: well I wouldn't think she is too young for one but I'm not sure about two. I recently paid a 13 year old to take care of Alyssa while we were moving she did a WONDERFUL job!!! When I was 14 I took care of a toddler and a baby after of coures taking a babysitting class I personally think I did a good job and I LOVED it! Also we paid our sitter 5 dollars and hour which is more than I ever got paid

gr33n3y3z replied: Thats good that she took classes but also make sure she has a cert in CPR for infants and other.
Erin went to our local rescue squad for her certs and she is also trained to use the D Fib and she was 12 at the time. And they do all the paper work and her card came in the mail. But I think thats great that they want to help out

A&A'smommy replied:
If its safe sitter (which is what I took) then they do train in infant cpr

MyBlueEyedBabies replied: I watched a toddler and baby every friday night for a year when I was 12 and think I did a good job, I did dinner, brushing teeth stories and bed time too so I would say if she is responsible then why not. I wouls ask her how much she wants but 5 sound reasonable

mckayleesmom replied: I think it would be great to have her around if you need to run to the grocery store.....or take the kids outside to play...that kind of stuff. Maybe a movie with a friend....If her mom is in the neighborhood then I think it would be ok. I use to watch the little girl that lived next door to us when I was 9...I was really mature for my age though and my mom was next door in case I needed anything.

coasterqueen replied: Yeah I used to babysit a lot. My mom said I babysat two little ones at that age. I couldn't remember what age I was. I know when I was 16 I babysat 3 really rambunctous kids and a baby on a heart monitor.

I'll find out the certification factor. Good thoughts!

Would you charge $5 an hour for 2 kids or one?

akbutterfly83 replied: My little cousin is 12 and I let her watch Mason for me... and my sister is 13.. and she has been babysitting my brothers and sisters since she was 10...

I think it should be ok.... If she's cert. then that would be better... cause they don't do much of that here in the villages of Ak.....

~KARA~ replied: I started babysitting at that age and I had 3 to watch! a 4yr old, 1yr old and newborn. They were my siblings so I didnt get paid but when I babysat for others I charged 5$ and hour for each kid (I baby sat for dr's, dentists and lawyers so thats why i carged so much)

Maddie&EthansMom replied: I baby sat a family of 2 when I was that age. (an infant and toddler) I was VERY responsible. Probably more so than I was at 16 or 17. I had been around babies all my life, though. My grandmother had a daycare.

~Roo'sMama~ replied: I had a regular babysitting job watching 3 kids when I was that age, but they were a little older. One was 2 or 3, one was 6 and the oldest I don't remember how old she was. But I was babysitting my infant nephew when I was 12 or 13 and I think I did ok. If she seems like a responsible kid then I think it would be fine. Especially since she's taken a class and knows cpr - I never did any of that!

kimberley replied: depends on the kid honestly. some can handle two, others can't. i think if she can be a mommy helper to start, that would be great so the girls get to know her and you can see how well she handles them and make your call from their. i think the going rate for 2 kids in the evening is a little higher than $5/hr but everything is more expensive up here lol. it sounds like a great deal for both of you if it works out tho. keep us posted!

CCTandME replied: I think it depends on her maturity level. Seeing that she is taking the courses is a plus, in my opinion. You could give her a try. Maybe even playing with the kids in the yard while you are inside to get a feel for her.

I babysat 2 kids from when I was 11 to 17. (felt like they were my own) They were 8mo and 4yrs old when I started babysitting them. At first it was for money, but then I was attached and didn't like the fact that their mom would leave them w/ anybody. Then I don't thin they ever paid me, but atleast I knew the kids were cared for. (I still talk to them today. The oldest girl just had a baby in March)

luvbug00 replied: For me it is. personaly but Whatever you feel comfortable with is up to you.

3'smom replied: I have 2 - 13 yr old nieces. One babysits all the time, the other I'm not sure I would trust to run 2 blocks to the stoe. The one that babysits watches my 3 and 4 yr olds. I usually don't leave until it's right at bedtime or until they are in bed. Then we only go out to the bar or club within 3-4 miles of our house. She has the # for where we are and knows which neighbors she can go to if she needs anything(which is basically any). We did go to a town 30 miles away but I made sure and took my dh's cell phone and we're never gone more than 5-6 hrs. She is paid good and gets extra gifts. She wants to do it for free as she can use my computer and we have unlimited long distance. She is good with the kids and my house is never trashed.

ions_momma replied: We have a neighbor girl that is 15 now but she has been watching Ion since she was 13 when we go out or just need someone for a little while when we go to the store or whatever. She does a great job and Ion loves her! He has so much fun with her and she does so good with him. She is really responsable and always has been. We usually pay her about $3 to $5 an hour for just Ion.

jcc64 replied: Back in the Stone Ages I used to babysit a toddler and an infant at the age of 12. Didn't know the first thing about choking, CPR, nothing! I was incredibly responsible- but God help me if any emergency had popped up on my watch.
I leave Corey with my 13 yr old son, but to be honest, that's only for a few hours at a time during daylight hours when I know my friends or neighbors will be available in an emergency. Idk, Karen, it seems like alot for a 13 yr old to handle- but then again- sometimes I think they're the only ones who truly have the energy for two little ones.
Not very helpful- sorry!

MyBrownEyedBoy replied: I babysat for a 6 year old, 4 year old and a 10 month old when I was 12. My mom was right next door, but I think that if she has the classes and the desire and her mother is close by, why not use her as a resource. It could at least allow you to go to the grocery store without bringing both kids.

coasterqueen replied: Thanks everyone. I will check into the certification thing and also might do a "trial" with having her over here to watch the girls while I do some outside work, or something of the sorts. Kylie is a huge handful and I know how I am with being alone with the two of them. So i definitely think some trial runs would be good before I go into town. AND I think I will make sure her mother is right next door too.

Hillbilly Housewife replied: Try her out - what do you lose?

besides - isn't it Murphy's law that your own kids always act 100% nicer withother people? Mine sure do....

my sitter is 12. SDhe comes over usually around 5:30, and stays until about 7:30 or 8pm, every thursday.

I woulnd't leave her with all 3 kids once the new baby is here - but I'd have her come over to give me a break from the other 2... lol

Depends on the kid I guess...and the going rate around here is 3$ for 1 child, per hour, or 5$ for 2 kids per hour.

Way less than what I'm used to... lol

JAYMESMOM replied: I think that is defintley old enough if she is mature enough. I would have her come over for a trial run before. Kids are always better for others than ourselves. I personnally was babysitting at 11 - for 2 infants. Going rate here is 5 for 1 and 7 for 2 kids. I would talk to others in your area and see what they pay. It really depends on the area.

mummy2girls replied: I think it all depends on the child. some are mature enough to babysit yet some are not...it does help though that she took a babysitters course. does she have any references?

CantWait replied: I'd much rather a 13 year old babysit then an 18 year old. There head is still on being a kid in a way, they take it seriously, and they're not interested so much in boys and their friends. Just have lots of food for her. I use to babysit when I was 13, and I loved it