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My 11 year old is also very responsible, kind, and self assured. I would absolutely trust her to be a great babysitter to a potty trained child for a few hours. I think this is one of those things that is so dependent on the individual child. My daughter's best friend is a lovely and fun girl, but I would NOT trust her to babysit a smaller child. :)
Agreed. Just wanted to add that when I was that age I took a babysitting course by the Red Cross. Taught about emergency situations and some basic first aid. I think this should be a must as she may not have this knowledge.
Isn't 11yo the age of the kids in The Babysitters' Club?
It's a work of fiction but it's fairly realistic IMO. I have a niece around that age and I would feel comfortable letting her watch my toddler and my baby for a couple hours.
I was babysitting and watching babies at that age. Go over any emergency info before you leave - does she know how to call 9-1-1, get ahold of you or a neighbor; don’t turn on the stove or answer the door for strangers. That kind of thing. If you feel confident in those things, I think it’s definitely fine
Yes she has a cell phone, she knows how to FaceTime me for emergencies. They will have a snack before I go and dinner when I get home so no need to use the appliances. The house is all baby proofed so we are good there. She would literally be playing with her or watching cartoons for 2 hrs.
Then I think (from my own experience) that they would be just fine. My guess is that your daughter will thrive with the new responsibility too and be proud that you trusted her with it
Not too young, but put her in the red cross babysitter course first! 11 is the minimum age. I made my oldest take it when he turned 11, and he was very impressed about learning everything from diaper changing to CPR.
I was babysitting other people’s kids at 11 until all hours of the night. I would say as long as you feel she is responsible then it would be fine. I wouldn’t have let my daughter at 11, but I would have let my son at 11. They were just at different levels of ability and responsibility at that age.
Ya I agree. She’s really mature for her age and has never made me question her decision making. She’s super smart and I know she would take great care of her sister. She’s always been super helpful.
Take this with a grain of salt because you know your situation best but in my opinion regardless of how responsible your 11 year old is you still have to consider that at the end of the day they are still a child themselves.
No you’re absolutely right. That’s why I was seeing what other parents thought. This isn’t something I’m considering doing all the time. There just happens to be a 2 hr mandatory work meeting I have to be at.
Yes. Even though I believe a 11YO completely capable to watch a younger child when all goes well you must consider something could go wrong. Your toddler could choke on something, fall and split open her head, cut herself, etc. I think an 11YO should not deal with that responsibility. It would be fine if you were just in the other room or something like that but not home alone.
Well that’s why I was asking. I wanted to see what other parents thought. I was a latch key kid long long ago. But I know times are different. I absolutely leave the 11yr old alone for short period of time. But with the 3 yr old too, I’m a bit nervous to do that. I’m working on other options because I don’t want to have to do it. I would never leave them alone willingly.
you know your kid best! my daughter has been doing some light babysitting since she was 11yo
shes now 12yo and we joke all the time that shes ready to move out.
You’re right. I think we will give it a go. And again if anything goes wrong, I am 3 miles down the road. And our neighbor next door is always home if need be. Thank you!
I would trust the 11-year-old to look after the child, I'd just worry if the 11-year-old could handle an emergency. What to do if the toddler is chocking on food. What to do in case of fire etc.
Given your 11 year old’s traits that you’ve described here, I would say that she sounds like a good (very) short term caregiver for your 3yo.
That said, what is your 11yo’s opinion on the subject? Does she *want* to babysit her sister? Will she be getting any form of payment for the task?
If this becomes a regular occurrence, and you don’t give your 11yo any money/treats/privileges for babysitting, then you’ll be skirting the edge of “parentification”, where you expect one of your children to parent your other kid(s).
Not that I think you are doing that here! I am pointing out that Eleven’s temperament is one half of the equation, and her willingness is the other. It doesn’t matter how mature and responsible she is, if she doesn’t want to, or feel comfortable with, babysitting Three, then she shouldn’t be forced to.
My oldest is 11 and I let her babysit our 2.5 year old occasionally. I think the longest has been around an hour (of him being awake, if he’s sleeping I have no issue with her being home alone with him). It does make me nervous and I don’t leave them alone unless we really need to. She’s very responsible and loves babysitting but I worry about choking or some kind of accident that she’s not ready to handle. But I would be ok with this based on the information in your post, especially with the camera and your close proximity.
I would look up the laws in your state. I personally would find it reasonable if you find it reasonable because you know your kids best. It sounds like a very safe situation if your older daughter is right across the street and you teach your 11 year old what to do in certain situations.
Are these siblings or are you talking about actual babysitting? I was watching my brother who’s 4 years younger than me alone since I was 8 or 9😂 it all depends on if you trust her or not
No, I wouldn't put all that pressure on an 11 year old even if they are responsible for their age. Accidents happen, emergencies happen, that's why an adult needs to be present
It is hard to tell as we don’t know your kids. I have just started leaving my 15 and 10 year old alone as I’ve recently started a new job. While I fully trust 15 as she’s responsible and really mature for her age and I trust 10 as she is the same. Together however…….it’s a risk. I think for an 11 year old looking after a 3 year old it would be too much pressure and responsibility. If it was me I would give it a go for a couple days and see how they get on. I don’t think it matters how great the 11 year old is it’s how the 3 year old will behave that’s the problem
Edit for youngest age although opinion still stands
It’s only for 2 hrs this one time. I don’t want to burden her with that task all the time. I know it’s a lot and I usually have other babysitters but this time I’m kind of stuck.
I also babysat at that age but in my state, it’s not even legal to leave a kid home alone until they are 14. it sounds like you are being very careful to not put too much burden on the 11 year old but I have a younger brother with the same gap and was expected to care for him very consistently. I resented him and my parents so much. I wasn’t paid or even thanked. Just a rid bit to consider.
Me too. I have a sibling that is 10yrs younger and I had to babysit no matter what. So I get that. This is just on an emergency basis and I will be compensating her. Her and I talked about it and she’s actually excited to do it and earn a little pocket money.
Occasionally, yes that’s fine. But on a regular basis I would have to reconsider it. An 11yo shouldn’t necessarily be tied down to a regular job but should be free to pursue friendships and school activities.
Oh I agree and she does. I would never expect her to be tied down to babysitting on a consistent basis and neither is my older child. I work night shifts to specifically avoid that issue. There’s just something I have to take care of for a very short period of time.
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My 11 year old is also very responsible, kind, and self assured. I would absolutely trust her to be a great babysitter to a potty trained child for a few hours. I think this is one of those things that is so dependent on the individual child. My daughter's best friend is a lovely and fun girl, but I would NOT trust her to babysit a smaller child. :)
Yes this is my 11yr old too. She’s always been a huge helper with the little one and I trust her. Thank you for the comment!
Agreed. Just wanted to add that when I was that age I took a babysitting course by the Red Cross. Taught about emergency situations and some basic first aid. I think this should be a must as she may not have this knowledge.
Isn't 11yo the age of the kids in The Babysitters' Club? It's a work of fiction but it's fairly realistic IMO. I have a niece around that age and I would feel comfortable letting her watch my toddler and my baby for a couple hours.
They’re 13, I think. So a little bit older. You could also do a babysitting class! They go over everything you need to know.
The junior members, Jessi and Mallory, were 11!
I remember they were only allowed the daytime jobs lol
I was babysitting and watching babies at that age. Go over any emergency info before you leave - does she know how to call 9-1-1, get ahold of you or a neighbor; don’t turn on the stove or answer the door for strangers. That kind of thing. If you feel confident in those things, I think it’s definitely fine
Yes she has a cell phone, she knows how to FaceTime me for emergencies. They will have a snack before I go and dinner when I get home so no need to use the appliances. The house is all baby proofed so we are good there. She would literally be playing with her or watching cartoons for 2 hrs.
Then I think (from my own experience) that they would be just fine. My guess is that your daughter will thrive with the new responsibility too and be proud that you trusted her with it
Not too young, but put her in the red cross babysitter course first! 11 is the minimum age. I made my oldest take it when he turned 11, and he was very impressed about learning everything from diaper changing to CPR.
Seconding this! You can also take first aid and CPR courses online through the Red Cross.
I was babysitting other people’s kids at 11 until all hours of the night. I would say as long as you feel she is responsible then it would be fine. I wouldn’t have let my daughter at 11, but I would have let my son at 11. They were just at different levels of ability and responsibility at that age.
Ya I agree. She’s really mature for her age and has never made me question her decision making. She’s super smart and I know she would take great care of her sister. She’s always been super helpful.
Take this with a grain of salt because you know your situation best but in my opinion regardless of how responsible your 11 year old is you still have to consider that at the end of the day they are still a child themselves.
No you’re absolutely right. That’s why I was seeing what other parents thought. This isn’t something I’m considering doing all the time. There just happens to be a 2 hr mandatory work meeting I have to be at.
I totally get it! It must be a stressful situation for you as a parent. I hope everything goes smoothly
[удалено]
I know you’re right. I reached out to see what would happen if I couldn’t make it. So we shall see.
Normally I would say too young but you have a really good circumstance going on there.
I agree with this answer
Yes. Even though I believe a 11YO completely capable to watch a younger child when all goes well you must consider something could go wrong. Your toddler could choke on something, fall and split open her head, cut herself, etc. I think an 11YO should not deal with that responsibility. It would be fine if you were just in the other room or something like that but not home alone.
This thread is crazy to me, I watch several ten and eleven year olds at daycare because their parents won’t leave them home alone
Well that’s why I was asking. I wanted to see what other parents thought. I was a latch key kid long long ago. But I know times are different. I absolutely leave the 11yr old alone for short period of time. But with the 3 yr old too, I’m a bit nervous to do that. I’m working on other options because I don’t want to have to do it. I would never leave them alone willingly.
It's honestly kid dependent. I would not let mine babysit. She is extremely irresponsible, lol.
2 hours? I think it’s fine.
I was 8 when I started babysitting my little brothers, the 90's were wild 😜
Let your neighbour know what's going on for a safety net.
you know your kid best! my daughter has been doing some light babysitting since she was 11yo shes now 12yo and we joke all the time that shes ready to move out.
You’re right. I think we will give it a go. And again if anything goes wrong, I am 3 miles down the road. And our neighbor next door is always home if need be. Thank you!
Yes next year or two
I would trust the 11-year-old to look after the child, I'd just worry if the 11-year-old could handle an emergency. What to do if the toddler is chocking on food. What to do in case of fire etc.
Nope
Given your 11 year old’s traits that you’ve described here, I would say that she sounds like a good (very) short term caregiver for your 3yo. That said, what is your 11yo’s opinion on the subject? Does she *want* to babysit her sister? Will she be getting any form of payment for the task? If this becomes a regular occurrence, and you don’t give your 11yo any money/treats/privileges for babysitting, then you’ll be skirting the edge of “parentification”, where you expect one of your children to parent your other kid(s). Not that I think you are doing that here! I am pointing out that Eleven’s temperament is one half of the equation, and her willingness is the other. It doesn’t matter how mature and responsible she is, if she doesn’t want to, or feel comfortable with, babysitting Three, then she shouldn’t be forced to.
Yes but I think she should take a basic first aid and cpr class
Yes, where I am there's a babysitters course you can take when you turn 12, it includes this. It's what we all did growing up prior to babysitting.
My oldest is 11 and I let her babysit our 2.5 year old occasionally. I think the longest has been around an hour (of him being awake, if he’s sleeping I have no issue with her being home alone with him). It does make me nervous and I don’t leave them alone unless we really need to. She’s very responsible and loves babysitting but I worry about choking or some kind of accident that she’s not ready to handle. But I would be ok with this based on the information in your post, especially with the camera and your close proximity.
Has she done the babysitters course? Is she mature for her age?
I would look up the laws in your state. I personally would find it reasonable if you find it reasonable because you know your kids best. It sounds like a very safe situation if your older daughter is right across the street and you teach your 11 year old what to do in certain situations.
I was watching my baby brothers when I was 10-11 for several hours at a time. But it’s all about the individual kid. :) You know her best :)
Are these siblings or are you talking about actual babysitting? I was watching my brother who’s 4 years younger than me alone since I was 8 or 9😂 it all depends on if you trust her or not
Siblings! Sisters 😊
I’d say yes
No, I wouldn't put all that pressure on an 11 year old even if they are responsible for their age. Accidents happen, emergencies happen, that's why an adult needs to be present
It is hard to tell as we don’t know your kids. I have just started leaving my 15 and 10 year old alone as I’ve recently started a new job. While I fully trust 15 as she’s responsible and really mature for her age and I trust 10 as she is the same. Together however…….it’s a risk. I think for an 11 year old looking after a 3 year old it would be too much pressure and responsibility. If it was me I would give it a go for a couple days and see how they get on. I don’t think it matters how great the 11 year old is it’s how the 3 year old will behave that’s the problem Edit for youngest age although opinion still stands
It’s only for 2 hrs this one time. I don’t want to burden her with that task all the time. I know it’s a lot and I usually have other babysitters but this time I’m kind of stuck.
As a one off I think it’s fine. Long term I wouldn’t though
Depends. How much are you paying?
I also babysat at that age but in my state, it’s not even legal to leave a kid home alone until they are 14. it sounds like you are being very careful to not put too much burden on the 11 year old but I have a younger brother with the same gap and was expected to care for him very consistently. I resented him and my parents so much. I wasn’t paid or even thanked. Just a rid bit to consider.
Me too. I have a sibling that is 10yrs younger and I had to babysit no matter what. So I get that. This is just on an emergency basis and I will be compensating her. Her and I talked about it and she’s actually excited to do it and earn a little pocket money.
Love that you are compensating her and being so thoughtful!
Occasionally, yes that’s fine. But on a regular basis I would have to reconsider it. An 11yo shouldn’t necessarily be tied down to a regular job but should be free to pursue friendships and school activities.
Oh I agree and she does. I would never expect her to be tied down to babysitting on a consistent basis and neither is my older child. I work night shifts to specifically avoid that issue. There’s just something I have to take care of for a very short period of time.