This is a question mostly for parents with children.

Question

Ok so I need to make some money and I decided I would babysit.

I'm 14 years old, turning 15 in march, and going into 9th grade this year.

Now I have two younger sisters (5 and 3 years old) that I babysit frequently. I have never taken a babysitting class, or CPR class.

However I do know how to preform the Hemlock Maneuver thanks to my dad.

Now my question here is, if you needed someone to babysit your kids would you prefer me to, or someone older that has maybe taken babysitting classes?

Answer 1

Hi, it certainly seems that you are ready for the job. I'm sure your parents wouldn't allow you to babysit otherwise.

I'm a little concerned that the Heimlich manouvre should be taught by  a qualified person ( I don't know if your dad is qualified) and I think you'll find that this technique is not recommended for use on small children, only adults. If this is something you are concerned about, why not enrol on a course of first aid for children? That way you may feel more confident and may also reassure parents of prospective babysittees that you have done your homework. Happy babysitting, Clare.

Answer 2

Not if you know the "Hemlock Maneuver" - which means you know how to poison my children! Wow. Time for you to use a dictionary!

I would only ever hire someone who had a babysitting course, with First Aid and CPR certification.  

Answer 3

Honestly sweetheart, I wouldn't hire you with an infant or small child, but possibly a 5-10 year old, but I would def. suggest you take those classes, so then you will know anytime, not just for babysitting, but whenever needed.

:)

Answer 4

Honestly, I would feel fine with you watching my 3 and 4 year old. I think chemistry b/w the kids and you is the most important thing.  Also, I would meet you first to see how responsible you are.

Answer 5

I would probably have no problem with you watching my 4 and 6 year old. But I would want references other than family, if you don't have those (which you said you didn't) then you would have to take a babysitting class. And maybe CPR. But I wouldn't let you babysit my 4 month old or a baby still in diapers.

Answer 6

my son is only 10 months old, so no offense, but i wouldn't hire you. because his needs can be so much and he needs CONSTANT attention, i feel more comfortable giving him to older people. he just started walking and he puts everything in his mouth so its imperative to give him to someone that will keep a constant eye on him. but if you were 16 or older, i'd probably feel more comfortable, but i'd still want references. you may want to get some teachers to write you letters of referral so they can verify how responsible you are.

if my son was 4 or older i would have no problem with someone your age watching him because at that age you can play games with him or pop in a dvd and he'll be fine.

Answer 7

Sorry, but anyone under 16 and that is not CPR certified and trained does not watch my child.

Answer 8

Honestly, kid, if you really think it's the Hemlock Manuever (it's Heimlich), I would not want you responsible for the life of my kids. Sorry.

Adults only should watch kids. You still are a kid.

Answer 9

I'd be happy with you, but happier if you had a babysitting class and some basic first aide. The more you know the more confident you'll be and the easier it will be to get jobs. Nothing learned is wasted, so, go do the course and have fun, you will get far with your good attitude.

Answer 10

I would be more comfortable with you watching kids age 5 and up.    With a babsitter this young, I prefer not to go too far so that I could get home quick if you called for help, or else know that your parents were available to you as backup if you got in a jam.   I pay someone younger than you to babysit.  He lives next door, so his parents are backup, although he's never needed it.

Answer 11

ok it is heimlic not hemlock ifr u were to do the hemlock maneuver you could kill somebody as hemlock is a poisonous plant.HA HA HA!!! i sugget that a cpr clas would b a good idea if you are watching extremly small children.i would let u watch mine as long as you had proof of a babvysitting class & cpr certification,.and i was only gonna be gone for a couple hours at the most.