A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Banter Hall how old does the baby sitter need to be?

I'm sure this varies from state to state, but I thought we could share some knowledge here.
In Texas a child has to be 12 yrs old to stay alone. But, what I'm wondering is how old does a child need to be to watch another child? I have an 11 yr old and an 8 yr old. Maybe once a month or so, they are home alone together about half an hour before I get home for work. They are both very responsible kids, but still kids. And, if they wouldn't fight so much (physically fight) I probably wouldn't worry at all.
with spring break coming in a little over a month and summer time break coming ONE OF THESE days. some other arrangements will have to be made. I'm looking into hiring a girl down the street that is 15. but still I'm wondering is SHE old enough to watch my two AND her little brother that is 7?
any thoughts, experience?

Cricket
You have to be 12 here to be a certified babysitter- and I know exactly what you mean about your kids fighting when alone-- my son used to pick on his little sister- 7 yrs his junior... so I used to hire the girl next door to watch her after school... was only for an hour or so but got really tired of coming home to a crying child and he was mean to me!
I think watching 3 kids might be alright for a 15 yr old- I used to watch 5 kids when I was 12 and they were all under 6- they had 2 sets of twins... but I was a very strange and responsible kid.... LOL!
Nana

It used to be 11 to be alone and watch siblings in Cal. the last time I looked. But it was older to watch others children. I'm thinking 14? I also babysat a lot as a young teen. And when I wasn't actually babysitting for money, I loved to borrow babies. The mothers used to like to see me coming. I never played with dolls.

you never played with dolls cause you had the real ones! ha ha
I feel safe with this particual 15 yr old watching my two (11 & 8) and her younger brother 7. but, legally....it's a new ball game now.

I believe it all depends on the maturity of at least a 15 year old No younger,,, especially having to watch an 11 year old boy. any younger would put them too close in age then what would be the point,,

When My kids were 11 and 9 after school they were alone for up to an hour and 1/2,, but had responsibilities to take care of before I got home,,
.But then I had a neighbor who kept an eye on the house,, and they weren't allowed to go outside at all for any reason until I got home...
You know your kids,, they know the rules, and knows what kind of consequences they will have to deal with if they don't behave.
Oh I would repeatedly go over un expected crisis with them in case of fire,, someone at the door ( NEVER EVER ANSWER THE DOOR) and Never says your parents aren't home to someone on the phone,, They are taking a nap,, or busy,, in the shower,, dad's in the garage working... something.... so the caller believes there is an adult there,, Same applies goes for a baby sitter, now days one can't be too careful,

you are SO right angelblossom. and we have gone over all of that. We have drilled our kids up and down on if someone comes to the door..., if someone calls..., you can only use the microwave and NOTHING else to prepare food.... It's mainly the fighting that I worry about.
that's a very good point about giving them responsibilties while they are here. If they are kept busy enough, there shouldn't be much time for horse play. and if chores aren't done, then there are consequences.

Maxi isn't allowed to use the microwave when I'm not here, Cricket, because foods inside of them CAN catch fire if left too long. I leave him plenty of things to eat that don't require cooking/heating.

Maine has NO age requirement for children being left alone. Our state recognizes that each child is so different and situations vary, so it is up to the parent's discretion concerning who may stay home alone.

I have a friend whose 11 year old is responsible and well behaved enough to trust at home alone but who also has a 15 year old who needs constant supervision. (She has her hands full with that one).

Maxi & I also have all the rules Diane mentioned, with a few differences. Maxi doesn't answer the phone at all if I am not here unless it is his dad or I. And he is not allowed to invite any friends in, either.

We started practicing him being alone when he was still young because I realized a situation could arise where I'd be unexpectedly delayed in getting home before him. In fact, that happened! I was coming back from a medical appointment & construction delay caused me to be stuck in traffic on our road while he was getting off the bus. I could see him in the distance walking up our long drive but I couldn't get there. By the time I arrived, he was standing outside our door sobbing because I wasn't there. He had no idea I was within sight of the house. So, we started practicing. He does really well now.

Although I do not have multiple children, there would be SEVERE consequences if Maxi got into physical fights with anyone. That is simply not ever never allowed in my home. We have friends whos sons are pretty wild & fight faster than look. So I always greet them at the front door and say "While you are here there will be NO kicking, biting, spitting, scratching, jumping, punching, slapping, hair-pulling, name calling, swearing...." I have to give a complete list because if I leave something out they will say "well you didn't say I couldn't!" Just saying "behave yourselves!" doesn't work with these two; I have to be quite specific!!


Merme

There are no laws in MN that say how old your kids have to be stay home alone. I think it is up to the parents to a point. Obviously you can't leave your 5 year old home alone. DSS will be called and it won't be good. But...most of us can use our own personal judgment. I started babysitting other kids when I was 10. When I was 11 I was babysitting a family of 4 boys. I too was a responsible kid and that is what I enjoyed doing. So Cricket...I would say that if this girl seems responsible I would think it is okay.

yep that what I said earlier,, depends on the maturity level of the babysitter per age,,,
WOW 11 years old,, that was a big responsibility with 4 boys,!

Now that I think about it, it was a big responsibility but at the time it was no big deal to me.

I was allowed to stay home when I was 12. But only while mom ran to the store or something like that. I was a responsible kid too but I didn't start babysitting until I was 17 and in college. It was great extra money and I stayed the night there, so I got paid to sleep..... Was there from about 9pm to 7am.

I agree--it depends on the maturity level of the girl/boy in question.---Cricket if you are satisfied that this girl is responsible enough then I say yes too.--and not to mention, didn't you say she lives right next door?/ so her family would be available in an emergency as well, right???

so you would be getting a 2--fer. right??