My 11 year old wants to start babysitting?

Question

My 11 year old which is turning 12 in december wants to start babysitting. She has watched her younger sister of the age of 9 and little brother of the age of 5 at home alone before. She wants to be able to babysit for a long amount of time to make money and to be with the kids. What do ya think??

Answer 1

Since she is only 11, you should probably only let her babysit family (like younger cousins), close family friends or neighbors. It would be best for her to babysit in your home, but if she can't, she should probably only babysit in the daytime, and only when you will be available if she needs you. She should also not babysit very young children.



Remember, 11 year olds are still children too. Just because they don't need a babysitter anymore doesn't mean they are ready to babysit. Be honest with your self: what if you daughter was babysitting and a young child started choking? The child could die in a matter of minutes if she didn't know what to do. When she is 13 or so, let her have more serious babysitting jobs. But for now, keep it simple.

Answer 2

If they have a pool you can take her into the pool. If the parents let you, you can call some of her friends so that she won't be too uncomfortable. Don't treat her too much like a child, they are growing up. SOME 11 year olds can get very moody, very little. In the beginning, she might seem a little shy. Unless she's really bold, and outgoing. Thos dance pads are pretty fun, but she might not have them. Think about when you were 11. What did you like to do? Remember, not all 11 year olds are the same. Try to figure out what she likes. Hope it helps! ~isabel

Answer 3

I'd wait until she is 13, unless you think she is ready. I would not use a babysitter any less than 13. When I go out for long periods of time I use someone over 15, but if it was just to get my nails done or another apt, thats the only time I would use a 13 year old. I wouldn't let a 11 or 12 year old ever!

Answer 4

It depends on her maturity level. I think you should ask yourself and her, what she would do in a time of crisis. For example, if there were a fire, would she know to call 911 immediately. Then would she know to gather the children and get outside quickly? Would she know to feel a closed door before opening it, in case the fire was on the other side. Also, what if one of the children she was watching was choking? Would she be capable of performing the Heimlich? Does she know basic first aid? I would hate for somthing to happen on her watch that could not only put the children she is watching at harm, but I would not want her to have to live with the guilt if something horrible did happen. I think having her babysit at your home, when you are there is a much safer start. Best of luck, and God Bless.

Answer 5

I recommend sending her to a babysitting class first. There she will learn how to take care of children from all age groups, what to do in an emergency, and CPR. The course has so much information, first time parents should have to take it!

My daughter started babysitting at 11, but only for children 5 and older. After she took the course I allowed her to babsit younger children.

Answer 6

Well, she's young, but if you're willing, she could babysit at your own house to start, so you're there if she's in a crisis, but you could go do something fun, like read a book in your bedroom, so you're not 'helping' her, and she can keep the money.

You could start that way, so you can observe how responsible she is, and she's doing the work, making the money, but other parents might feel better leaving their kids, knowing you'll be there as well.

I'm not a parent yet, but I wouldn't leave my child, any age, w/ an 11 yr old, unsupervised. I wouldn't leave an 11 yr old *by herself*, unsupervised, for any length of time.

Answer 7

I'd say when she turns 12, let her, just make sure you are available and close by for her to call you if there are any troubles. I let my daughter babysit when she turned 12 and she did a great job, she also learned a little about work and responsibility (I just wish those lessons would have stuck now that she's 14).

Answer 8

I think you would know that best than us.

If she took care of her siblings alone and nothing horrible happened then sure... but thats up to you. If you think she can do it. She as well should prove to you that she can do it.



But I would only start out with 1 or 2 kids since thats what she's used to right now.



I've done 5 kids at once and the 2 I watch now are worse than the 5 I watched.

Answer 9

I was allowed to babysit when I was that age but only if my parents were home so I could call them if I needed help for anything. It really made it easier on me, and the parents of the kids I was babysitting, to know that help was just a phone call away.

Answer 10

I think its good to start but you should warn her not to be disappointed if she doesnt get a lot of jobs becasue a lot of people dont have babysitters that young. If she is a good babysitter word will spread and she will get a lot more jobs but it takes a while. I started when i was 11 and had like one job a month but then word of mouth got around and people at first didnt trust me because of my age but changed thier minds when they saw how good I was with there kids. Have her take a babysitting class - it will give her more credit. Dont let her charge a lot either(my advice is to keep rates open). Good luck:)

Answer 11

Congrats on raising such an independent and responsible child. I would be cautious about hiring an 11 year old I didn't know well, so I would say she should go with it for friends and family who know her well and I would recommend you check in with her while she is watching the kid(s). I would do everything to encourage her, sounds like you have a future successful business women on your hands.

Answer 12

say when she turns 12 she may begin babysitting. 12 is the normal age, and most mother's won't accept a child under 12 for a baysitter. it's also in most states law that your child must be 12

Answer 13

well im 12 going on 13 this year and started when i was you childs age but when i hit 12 i started to watch other kids so i think to let her if u and her both think she is mature enough, i took a class and stuff like that really is helpful..

Answer 14

i think you should wait till she is a little older ,perhaps 13 or 14 because since she's only babysitted at her house she might not know how to handle being at somebody elses house. Good luck

Answer 15

I think 13 or 14 is better as they have better reaction time when faced with an emergency situation,but of course maturity plays a big role as well..you be the judge,but if any doubts emerge,wait until you feel comfortable in allowing her to...

Answer 16

i think 11 is to young kids can get out of hand sometime i think 14 is a better age for that

Answer 17

Yeah it sounds ok if your worried about safty and all that they have, babysitting courses that teach kids wanting to babysit about the safty and what to do in emergency situations, so you could look for one of those ... they have alot over the summer too =)

Answer 18

if she is mature enough maybe as long as she is baby sitting kids that are over the age over 5 and its not for over 3 hours its ok...but try a baby sitting class and CPR class at the YMCA first just so she has that behind her i kinda think she is to young to baby sit anyone but her sister and brother

Answer 19

I think its young to be sitting unsupervised. I was the same way, but my mom allowed me to watch older kids at our house when she was home. And let me keep the money.



I was about 13-14 before i was allowed to sit alone at their house.

Answer 20

i think its a great its a great idea i started when i was 10 and i was very good now i babysitt a lot and get a lot of money and its good for her to learn how to do these things it helps her socialize a bnit i find. its also good bc she can watch her brother and sister for a longer period of time bc u would no she would be good. she can also watch herself LOL :) Gl with that i wish u lots of luck :)

Answer 21

I think she's too young. Buy her some baby dolls. And stop leaving her alone in charge of your other two children! She needs a babysitter also!

Answer 22

If you feel she is mature enough and if there are parents who would be willing to let her babysit, then there shouldn't be a problem.

Answer 23

If you have trust in her abilities go for it. But don't try it the first time with someone else's child. Keep it with your kids until youre sure she can handle it.

Answer 24

Not legal until age 14 in UK. Where are you ?

Answer 25

let her baby sit for a couple of hours a day nothing too lolng for a while until she gets a hand of it and only for pepole you know

Answer 26

Well asky uor self--



Is she good take care of her siblings??



Is she pateint enough

Is she watching them all time

etc.





It is your choice. If she is good- then think about it.

Answer 27

i started when i was 11... and i was fine so i think you should try it

Answer 28

i think its a pretty good age & she has experisnce .

Answer 29

If you think she is responsible enough you can let her.

Answer 30

no way to young

Answer 31

if she is responsible and mature enough she can.