Babysitting - Georgetown,MA

I think 13 is okay with older kids, but not with an infant. I think she needs to be older with more experience before handling a young baby.

If you were doing stuff around the house and she was watching them then I think that is fine , to be left in charge completely I say she is too young , I would prefer an older sitter , at least 16 especially with the infant.

I think she is plenty old enough to play with the older child, but I would be hesitant to leave her with the infant...unless he's asleep

Use her as a mother's helper. Eventually you will know what you can leave her for and what you can't. That's how I started out. First the mom was always out, then she started going to the store, eventually they hired me to sit at night. When they had a 2nd child and asked me to sit for the infant, I was terrified! They assured me I could handle it and he'd sleep the whole time. They were right, then I went off to college, so I was quite a bit older than 13 at the time.

My point is, mother's helper first, then you'll know what's ok.

I would try it out if you were just going someplace local. My sitters were about this age. the other thing I would check out, would her mother be home? My sitters would call thier mother if they had any questions, or needed help. Especially for changing dirty diapers!

I agree with the advice to have her over several times while you are home before deciding whether she can watch the baby without you around. I was babysitting at 11, and I was probably 12 or 13 the first time I babsat for an infant. Some kids are definitely ready at that age. That being said, experience is key. I have a 16-year-old niece who is wonderful with my three boys, but when I left her alone with just the baby (he was 2 or 3 months old) for the first time (for what was supposed to be an hour while I took my older boys to a gym class 5 min away, and the baby was sleeping), the baby unexpectedly woke up and started crying uncontrollably. My niece called me in an audible panic, even though we'd talked about what to do if that happened. I coached her over the phone while I drove home to get the baby (I told her to turn on the vacuum cleaner and just try to pretend the baby wasn't crying while she held him, and that did calm him down). The experience taught me that I should have given my niece much more hands-on (not theoretical) experience with an upset infant before putting her in that situation. Even though she is very responsible, great with kids, and trustworthy, I think she needed a little more experience to know what to do with an infant.

You could also see if she has a friend, and have the two of them come. I used to babysit at that age with my sister - 3 kids one an infant, but that is from the babysitter's point of view. The mom also knew my mom and knew that my mom would be home. As a mom...not so sure that I would be comfortable with that age, but again, I don't really know any girls that age right now either.

I was 9 when I started babysitting for a lady from my church. She would come and pick me up and then leave me with her infant for a couple hours and then take me home. The baby was sleeping most of the time. The next time I watched an infant I think I was about 11 years old. It was in my neighborhood and so my mom was just down the street if I needed her. I think 13 is old enough, espicially if she has taken the babysitting class like you said

if the girl is responsible, and you've seen her interact well with your children, I dont see why not. I let my 13 year old cousin watch my dd, and she watches another cousin's baby, with no problems. We make the rule no cell phones while the kids are awake, and she has all our contact numbers.

I would definately second the idea from Kimmie G and have her come over supervised to see how she does with you there.

My daughter is 12 and will be 13 this summer and I am expecting an infant next month. I think my daughter is too young to be left alone with an infant even though she has taken an infant CPR course with us. But she is perfectly capable with a 3 year old! I don't plan on having her babysit alone until the baby is about a year old.

Although- times are changing. I was definitely babysitting small babies when I was 12-13.

Maybe you could have her over a few afternoons a week as a mother's helper, with you there, to see how she does. That should tell you everything.

Honestly, I think that if you and your husband think she would be good, then hire her! My mom and grandmothers were watching 4 plus kids at the age of 11 (yes it was a different world, but some of the issues were still issues then), and all of the kids they watched survived. I was babysitting the kids down the street at 10 while their parents went out for a few hours, and I never had any issues. If you both feel comfortable, then go for it. If not, then maybe hire her as a mother's helper for a period of time to help ease your mind!

I think that 13 is to young without adult supervision, there are to many things that could come up with an infant that a 13 yr old isn't mature enough to handle. Heck, she's barely coming out of being a child herself.

I think it depends on what time you are going to be leaving and where you are going to be going. I would use a 13 yr old if both my kids were in bed and we were going to be local (assuming she is mature). I always ask my sitters what they would do if there was a fire (and other similar questions) and can judge a lot about their ability based on the answers. If she knows to get the kids out first before trying to make any phone calls than she is probably ok being alone with the kids while they sleep. I personally would not leave an infant and a toddler with a 13 yr old, I know a lot of adults who have difficulty managing it all.

I would have her come over a few times while you are at home. So she can get to know your children. She can play with them while you are doing housework or answering emails or just taking a nap. You can do this for a while (pay her of course). This is one of the best ways for you to determine her maturity level with your infant. This will also get your children familiar with her in their home.

Then, you can graudualy move on to small amounts of time to leave them alone with her. For instance, have her watch the kids while you run to the grocery store. The grocery store is usually less than an hour.

Once you KNOW you can trust her, you can maybe go out on a date with your hubby.

You

I think 13 is too young to watch an infant. Can she nanny for you a few times while you are there so you can see how she does?

It really depends on the kids. I was watching an infant and a 1 year old when I was 12 and nannying them over the summers every year thereafter - traveling with the family as needed to care for the girls.

Our next-door-neighbor is the oldest of 5 kids. She had a lot of practice with infants as her youngest brother is 5 (she just turned 16). She's been watching our son since he was about 6 months old. Mom and Dad were always next door in the event something happened, but I trust her explicitly.

If nothing else, I'd invite her over one afternoon, give it a trial run with you there to see how she does with both kids and then make a decision. But, in this case, I'd completely base it upon the individual and not just the age.

I started babysitting at age 12. You could try her sitting during day time nap and see how it goes.L.

'

We use a 13 year old and love her! She watches our 2 1/2 year old and we take our infant with us :-) I wouldn't leave 2 kids, especially one of them being an infant with her. Good luck!

Do you know her parents? Will her parents be home when she babysits? How long will you be gone? I know a few 13 year olds that are very mature and I would have no problem leaving an infant with them for a short amount of time. That being said, you really have to go with your gut. The fact that you are asking for advice about it tells me that you're not comfortable. Your comfort level is what matters and you won't enjoy yourself when your away and you have her babysit. As always, a mother's gut instinct knows best...

Hi L.,

A lot depends upon the maturity and knowledge of the person, whether 13 or 33. You want someone who is capable in the face of an emergency, who will not be disrespectful to your child, and is happy to spend time with your child - not just looking for a paycheck.

I do like that this 13 year old took the course. Did she understand what she learned? Taking care of an infant. No way. I know a 12 year old that struggled holding a toddler. The toddler ended up being dropped onto her head. She was all right though. I cringe at the thought of a youth being in charge all alone. What if the child chokes, somehow is injured, the house goes on fire, stranger at the door, etc.?

I only allow adults to watch my children, and not all adults. I have not been impressed with some teens that I've met. Some adults I do not trust driving my children anywhere.

Horror stories:

1. A male friend of mine told me that when he was young, his female babysitter allowed him and other boys to touch her. Sex education while mom and dad are out of the house. Ahh!

2. A female babysitter who didn't like children - she'd hide on the children while she was suppose to be in charge.

Go with someone you know you can trust and is capable.

Good luck,
: ) Maureen

I would say if you know the girl and she's very responsible, maybe a few hours with your 3 year old but definitely not old enough to care for an infant in my opinion.
Try your local high school for teens looking for sitting jobs!
Hope this helps,
E.

I think it totally depends on the kid. Why not have her over as a "mother's helper" while you busy yourself with chores in the other room. That way your kids get used to her while you are still home (that's what you tell the sitter) and you can also observe her with your infant. It's also a chance to let her learn your routines, where your diaper changing stuff is, and so on. You can pay her for her time, maybe a little less than if she's completely in charge or at least without a tip, and it's a chance for her to see if she likes it. Then you can make a decision together. Try not to hover over her, but also see how she manages 2 kids at once.

I wouldn't leave an infant home alone with a 13 year old even if it is a really responsible 13 year old. I have always felt more comfortable leaving my kids with someone 16 or older. They have more experience, can drive if there was an emergency, and have developed a bit more logic and reason by then. One of my friends kept hiring 12 - 14 year old girls to watch her two kids when they were younger. They were all responsible girls but whenever something out of the ordinary happened they didn't have the skills to know what to do. After having to rush home time after time to help solve a problem, my friend has used only girls with more experience. That being said, having the 13 year old over as a mother's helper to care for your infant while you get some rest or do some other things around the house could be a great option. It would help the 13 year old develop great skills and give you more insight into her abilities. I guess for me the bottom line is that I want someone to care for my child who knows what to do when things go wrong not just during the run-of-the-mill times. Good Luck!

I think this really depends on the kid. I was dead set against having someone that young watch my children, but we ended up talking to a set of 13 year old twins and their mother and was totally impressed by their level of maturity, the way they spoke and carried themselves. We tried it out one night and they were awesome. I say have the person come over to your house while you're there, let her interact with the baby, talk to her and then determine if you think she's still too young. Find out if she's babysat for other people with infants. There are some 16 year olds out there who are completely clueless, so I'd base it on the person and not necessarily their age alone.

Hi,
You know this really depends on the person, every kid is so different. My first babysitting job was for a 3 day old girl when I was 9.Her mom was in the other room while I cared for her, and that's my suggestion for you. Can you have the girl come over to watch your baby while your in the house just to see how she deals with it? Then maybe you can be the judge for yourself.
Even present her with somethings to deal with while she's there to see how she deals with them. Feeding the baby, putting the baby to sleep etc.

Also if you do use her try and have a short list of what you would like her to do with your child, keep it simple.

Let me know what you do. Jenn D

Age is just a number, my daughter just turned 13 and I would trust her with babies. She is mature for her age, but it all depends on their life experiences as well. Kids don't get babysitting experience without babysitting!! I have had a home daycare for 15 years so she has grown up with babies and kids of all ages. I like the idea of the mothers helper, and really, ask the girl herself how she feels. Does she like the idea of babysitting? Does she feel comfortable with both children? Ask her mom what she thinks.

My opinion. Maybe so you can run to the market a 20 minute ordeal. Im not even sure of that, I just feel at that age they can get side tracked way to easy with a phone call, a TV show, friends playing outside in the neighborhood.

my 13 year old neice is great with our kids.

Maybe start off slowly - have her over for a playdate - while you take a bath, or a nap - see if she can handle things on her own while you're nearby. then try a 1 hour thing - like grocery shopping - see how she does.

good luck!

I have two daughters, 14 and 12. My neighbor has had my 14 year old watch her little ones who are 3 and almost 4 for two years. She trained her the way she wanted her to be a babysitter. It has worked out great. She will leave her infant, 4 weeks with my oldest daughter. She is now starting to hire my 12 year old and is also training her.
She started by going out in the middle of the day at naptime. So My 12 year old does nothing but watch the tv and listen for them to wake up. THen she goes out right at the end of naptime and is out until after the girls wake up so DD can get them changed and snack. She has been doing that for most of her OB appts. (DD is homeschooled). Just last week she left the girls for 2 hours in the evening while she and hubby went out to dinner with baby.
Both my girls are responsible and love children and I am so grateful for my neighbor for giving them the opportunity to learn little by little.
Give the girl a chance. If she likes your little boy and is responsible she will do a geat job.

I have a 13 yr old who does babysit. She is the oldest of 5 so she is very comfortable around babies. I dont think it's the age so much as the attitude of the babysitter. Maybee have her whatch the baby with you home 1st and then leave her a short time only to make sure you are both comfortable with how its going.

Every teenager is different, but personally I think 13 is too young to care for an infant. A three year old can articulate what he needs and is generally more self-sufficient than an infant. As olthers have mentioned, consider using the girl as a mommy's helper-- having her watch the kids when you are still home-- she could care for them while you are doing yardwork, exercising, even taking a bath. Or, she may be able to take your older son outside to play while you have time with the baby. This will also be a great way to have your children familiar with the girl when she is old enough to babysit on her own.