teenage babysitter

[shellbell]

I babysat at 13, but now it seems so young. I'd have her come do a "working interview" so you can see how age handles things. Even if you stay out of sight most the time, you'll get a feel for her.

[iwubrory]

I'm wondering how a 13 year old would handle a tantrum by your DD. Sorry, I'm not sure how often she has them or if they're only with people really close to her but I think it's something to think about.

We're having my niece, who just turned 14, babysit next week. The kids will only be awake for like the first hour but I'm still a little nervous about it overwhelming her. I'm trying to stay calm about it.

[squirm]

I also babysat at 13 but agree that it feels so young now. I agree with PPs advice. Have her do a couple of test runs as a mothers helper (and bonus you get to do stuff around the house without watching the kids!). I would also ask her about her emergency plan (911 situations) and her need help but not an emergency plan (call parents situations). I would probably also want reassurance that when she babysits she has an adult on call that is ready to step in if she gets overwhelmed.

[tessymessy]

I agree that doing a few test runs while you are home is a good idea. My niece helped out with DS1 when she was 13 & 14. We started with keeping him entertained while I was working at home or coming with us somewhere to keep an eye on him. Once I felt more comfortable and she proved she could handle different situations (tantrums, not wanting to nap, etc) I started leaving them home to grocery shop and run errands.

[5ofthem2ofus]

My oldest is 13 and I allow him (let's get real- I make him) babysit from time to time-
Usually just for small periods of time or if me and DH want to sneak out not until the 2 littlest are asleep- he is fairly responsible lol. Very honest and open- I guess I have a higher comfort level because he's with the baby all the time so knows how to handle him-but as for a 13-year-old stranger I'm not sure I would be okay with that?! It does seem kind of young- I think I like with the previous poster said maybe sit around and watch her with the baby or even maybe have her over for a trial run while you clean the house or cook dinner-
(Paying her of
course) and see how she does

[MissDemeanor]

Apr 3, 2015 18:02:22 GMT -5 @disneypeanut said:

She played outside with DD again this afternoon, and then came inside so we could chat. She said in her class she learned several things, including what to do if a baby/kid is choking (both techniques). That's a big positive for me. She had good answers for what to do with regards to tantrums, bedtime, serving grapes, emergencies. Said either her mom would be home when she babysits, or if not the parents of the other neighbor girl (the family that lives between me and the babysitter, they've known each other ever since both girls were very young I think). All in all, satisfactory answers. She agreed to a trial run at a reduced rate (mother's helper thing).

At 13 I would usually babysit with another friend. I guess it all depends on the kids, but I like the idea of a nearby parent being home, in case of emergency. My niece is 15, and I'd let her babysit, but my other niece is 14, and I doubt I'd let her even at 20

[homebrewgirl]

I think shellbell had a good suggestion. I'd have her come over to help you to get a feel for her. If you feel comfortable maybe run some short errands.

We have a 9th grader watch R sometimes (in fact she just left). For me it came down to her experience and her maturity. The first few times we made sure her parents were home and we kept our phones on the table the whole time. Now we just go out and relax.

[TheAnalyticalMommy]

I personally wouldn't be comfortable letting a 13 year old watch LO. I babysat at that age but if it was a kid that young, my parents were either around, or the baby was already asleep and I didn't do very much. I remember being worried about what I'd do if they woke up.

1 year olds are STRONG and not that easy to take care of. It's a different set of challenges from a newborn but still a huge responsibility.

I'd want her to be a bit older. FWIW

[jackiep1023]

I started babysitting when I was 9. BUT: It was always for the neighbors or my cousins, and they all lived within a couple of miles of my mom and dad, who were always home. I am also the oldest of 5, and have been around kids all my life, so I was pretty comfortable with the basics.

That said, I don't know about letting a 13 year old stranger babysit. I'd definitely do some trial runs first. It looks like you've already got plans in motion for that.

[wildflowers]

I think a 13 year old babysitter is perfect for days when you have an at home project but could use some help, like if you want to do a few hours of deep cleaning or yard work.