I've read many different things...Am I old enough to babysit?

Question

I'm 12...13 in late October (don't say I shouldn't be on here, this is my sister's account).

I think I am very mature, decent grades, etc. I think I'm responsible and great with kids.

I have younger siblings so I'm experienced in babysitting them while my mom is running errands.

Do you think I can start babysitting?

Like...tomorrow? (only kidding but im serious)

Answer 1

No worries, you're mature enough to be a mother's helper.  Usually at your age, you start by watching the baby in the house while the baby's mom is there to help guide you.  Like a test run.  Since you are new and young, you'll need to start out as a "Mother's Helper", and you should advertise yourself as such.  Like this:

Mother's Helper

My name is _____.

(explain a bit about yourself)

(explain how you'd make a great helper)

etc, etc..

Answer 2

yes.

if you are responsible enough to watch your siblings, you can certainly watch other people's kids.

i also think that if more teens took care of other people's kids some of them would not be having their own so young.

Answer 3

I'd have to meet you to say for sure but I'd think 13 is an apprpriate age to baby sit for kids ages 5 to 8.  I don't think you would be able to handle youger kids or babies just yet and if you get much closer to your age kids will buck your authority over them.  I've a 5 & 8 year old and if you were a close neighbor of mine I'd observe your interactions with your family & friends (respect of parents, responsibility, etc) and then seriously consider hiring you for a Friday night date with my hubby!  Also if you could pick up a basic first aid/cpr course at the Y you will make yourself much more hireable.

Good luck finding a babysitting job!

Answer 4

Depends, you should start by babysitting for people who know you, and know that you are mature, then they can tell their friends how great of a sitter you are. Good luck!

Answer 5

"I think I am very mature".

That is the biggest reason I would say No. You are not very mature; you are a twelve year old kid. When you are very mature you will understand what a huge responsibility looking after someone else's kids is, and you will be nervous as h**l about it! I'm nervous babysitting for my sister-in-law's kids and I'm a 37 year old mother of two!

But if you want to babysit when you are older, go on a course, and get a first aid qualification.

Answer 6

I think 16 should be the minimum