Littlemummy Discusses Babysitting

01 Aug

Posted by Little Mummy as Discussions, Parenting, Teenager

I’m really enjoying these discussions, and not only because it’s giving me a chance to work on my epic post - Who is Littlemummy? and get my new site up and running - British Parent Bloggers.

The discussion today is babysitting.

Did you know there is no law for what age a person can legally babysit?

My question to you is ‘What age do you think is appropriate to start babysitting?’

I started babysitting when I was eleven but as a mother I feel that is way too young now. If Erin was in bed and all the sitter has to do is be there, then I would consider an extremely responsible fourteen or fifteen year old. If there is any actual hands on childcare to be done then I think sixteen is sensible. What about you?

Inspiration for these discussions comes from - You Want to Do What? by Karen Sullivan

3 Responses

t-bird

August 1st, 2007 at 7:13 am
1

i think it depends very much on the teenager in question. One of my Rainbows Junior helpers who is 12 would be more than capable of toddler wrangling, in fact I suspect she’s better at it than I ever was. However, I know a lot of much older girls (and a few adults!) who I wouldn’t entrust the guinea pigs to let alone a toddler.

I know legally it’s a grey area however I also know that if anything happens then hte parent is liable if it could be considered that they were negligent in who they left their child with.

To be honest I’m probably over-careful, I very rarely leave Aprilia with anyone unless it’s a close friend.
Little Mummy

August 1st, 2007 at 7:19 am
2

I’m the same, I’ve only left Erin with family so far.
Alasdair

August 3rd, 2007 at 12:58 am
3

I don’t think age is really that big an issue.

I wouldn’t leave with my kids with anyone who I thought to be irresponsible or just incapable of recognising the needs of my children. This precludes that anyone under the age of say 18 would be allowed to look after the weins and anyone over that age would require vetting.

Example, I wouldn’t let anyone anyone babysit the baby as she can’t speak and therefore express what she wants effectively with anyone who isn’t intimate with her vocalisation or general behaviour (sheesh, there are times I struggle!).

I won’t allow my own mother to babysit, mostly though that’s because I don’t think her husband is as good with bairns as some would like to have us believe.

I would allow the mrs’ parents to babysit because they are very good with the kids. I think they share a similar mentality

My point is that I think that drawing a line at a particular age is fairly arbitrary when it comes to defining how responsible someone will be as a babysitter.