What age is apprioate?

Question

My step-daughter has to watch her little brother and two little sisters, she is only 12 y/o. one is still in diapers, one toddler, and the other one is 7, but still cant do for herself. their mother leaves them alone for 7 hours or five. Please give me advice on this

Answer 1

She is way too young. Maybe for 10 min or so while mom runs to the store but 5-7 hrs? Way too much responsibility for a 12 yr old. What would a 12 yr old know to do if the baby starts choking? Or if someone gets burned from the stove. Is it Worth it to her to risk her children possibly getting hurt? AND if something happened mom could go to jail for child endangerment or neglect. I would talk to your husband. Those are his kids and the risk is his as well.

Answer 2

12 is actually the legal age this can be allowed. if she is capable of changing diapers and knows how to dial 911, there is nothing wrong with her babysitting.  not too many years ago in this country, girls were running a household at 10 years old!!  12 is totally capable of watching her siblings.  I would only discourage this if it was every day or if the mother was able to afford day-care.  my growing up looked similar to this and my siblings and I turned out just fine.

Answer 3

Well I wouldnt say that was tooooo young but it really depends on maturity level.....If you don't feel right about it maybe she can invite one of her more responsible friends over to help her...or if you don't feel safe with her being there to watch them then make her take one of those firt aid classes........or you can get a babysitter?

Answer 4

I babysat at 12- no big deal.

Answer 5

yeah that seems very very odd...

Answer 6

5 years old I think is the longest.

Answer 7

That sounds like me, um maybe talk to their mom.....~xoxo ally*

Answer 8

I think they are all still children and need adult supervision. I would call the police department or child services place and talk to them.