13 Year Old Babysit?

Yes. Although it sounds young I was babysitting when I was 12 and for a ton of kids which also included babies. Why don't you let her babysit a couple of times when you guys are home or just running errands around town and see how that goes.

NO WAY!!!!!

There's not enough of an age difference between 8 and 13.
30 minutes away is too far, if you were less than 5 minutes away, maybe.
Regardless of how responsible she may be, she's only 13 and 13 year olds are not capable of making adult decissions.

If you are concerned do a practice run. Have her come over and take care of the kids while you are home, paying her for her time. If you like what you see, let her babysit, while you are gone. But I agree, find an adult closer to you. I had a rule with all my babysitters, young and old. If something happened call 911 first then me.

There is a babysitting course that the kids can take at 11 yrs old, so 13 I think is fine. I wish I had somone like that.

I started babysitting when I was 12. Wow, does that sound young now that I'm a mom :-) Our babysitter is in 8th grade (I guess that probably makes him 13?) His sister used to babysit the boys, but she's in college now. Since we have 2 boys, it seemed like a good idea to ask him. He's only watched the boys once, but his parents let us know they would be home. We actually weren't concerned about him, but it was very reassuring to know they'd be home if he needed anything. He did a great job, and the boys loved him, so we will definitely ask him again.

It sounds like you feel really good about her, but you could always make sure her parents will be home just in case. Not that she couldn't call you or your husband, but if she has any questions, she will probably be more comfortable calling her own parents.

I would. Just make sure you can be reached by phone and she knows what to do in case of an emergency.

Yes, go for it, and as everyone has suggested, leave emergency phone numbers.

The Red Cross or your local parks and rec will often have 'babysitter' courses. I would suggest she take one, then she can expand her 'client list'. :)

Yes! I babysat at age 12. Our baby-sitter was ~ 13 when she first sat for us.

ETA: She lives a block away and the first few times she sat, her Mom made sure she was home as well, but I think that was mostly for *us* to feel secure, not the sitter!

Make reservations for dinner mama...cuz you are going out!!

I started babysitting at age 12. My son is almost 13 and babysits. A few hours is perfect for a trial run. We make it a special "date" for the kids too. We get take out, rent a couple movies, put out the board games, and get a treat. They are really good for each other...they love the night away from parents.

We also pay our son to babysit..not much but a little pocket money. But it ALL hinges on our younger kids review of his services. If we hear there was yelling or he wasn't helping them then he gets zippo in the dinero dept.

All 3 of my kids know how to call 911 and when to call it. They know our home address and phone number as well as cell numbers. We talk about safety rules too. They all new this info at age 4ish. So just something to think about.

Have fun on your date!!! They will call you if there is s a problem...don't worry...go have some quiet,alone time!!

I think it'd be fine. Maybe, as a trial run, hire her to be a mother's helper, to play with the kids while you're doing housework or something. If that goes well, you can promote her to babysitter.

I'll be the lone voice of dissent. Personally, I wouldn't do it. Three kids is a lot for a 13 year old (still a child herself, when you get right down to it) to handle. I started babysitting when I was 13 and no one got hurt, but just cause we all did it when we were kids doesn't make it the smartest decision. Will anything bad happen if your niece babysits your kids? No, probably not. But if it was me, I'd hire her as a "mothers helper" to watch and entertain your kids while you do stuff at home.

Sure! Make sure she has all the info she needs (emergency numbers, your address written down and your home ph# written down--just in case an actual emergency were to happen), and that your kids understand she is in charge.
Basically, treat it like any other babysitter you might use, except ensure your own kids understand that for this visit, their cousin is the boss. Unlike when their family is just over for a visit...

I started sitting when I was 12 for an infant and 3 year old. She should be fine with a 4, 7, and 8 year old espically if you are close by and have your cell phone on you.

My kids were both babysitting at 13.
My son actually gets too booked up to keep all the kids for the parents that want him. He has fun with the kids, but follows all the parents rules with no exception.

I guess the difference is whether or not the 13 year old is mature and not going to take guff from the kids.

The girl you describe sounds fine.
Surely she knows she can call you if there is a problem.

I would let her do it.

Just my opinion.

Yup. I was worried to let me very responsible 12 YO niece babysit for my 6 YO but when she does, she does a wonderful job.

Yes, I think it would be fine. Just make sure she has emergency numbers and keeps the door locked. Provide food that doesn't require the stove - oven or microwave only.

yes, I think 13 is plenty old enough to babysit. I had a 12 year old girl babysit for me once and she was great. Go and have fun!!

I think it depends on the maturity of the 13 yr old. A plus here is that she is family and you know her well AND you are only going to be 1/2 hr away.

My daughter (now 17) was babysitting at 13 for neighbors who were close by and I always stayed home incase she needed me. She is a popular sitter in our neighborhood and well sought after, therefore right now, she stays booked.

My daughter did take a babysitting class with CPR. I think if you do allow your neice to do this, you are helping her earn money, helping her get experience under her belt so she will have an oppotrunity for more jobs down the road.

Of course, pay her the going rate. Around here $10 per hour is minimum. My daughter averages $12-$15 an hr, depending on the family. Last week she babysat for a single mom for 2 hours (2 children in bed) and got $30.

You know your niece well enough to make that judgement call. Have fun.

My 13 year old babysits. Like your niece, she is responsible and stays focused on the kids while she is working. I would go for it!

From what you've described, yes.

You know your kids and niece best. If your gut is telling you that she is mature, then go for it! I would just make sure she had all emergency numbers (a neighbor's number too if there is one nearby who is likely to be home).

Yes. A 12 year old is legally old enough to babysit or the American Red Cross would not have specific classes to teach 12 year olds how to be a great babysitter.

Now if I had an infant I would most likely let her babysit at her home with her mom right there so that if there was an emergency she would have help. If her parents are close by that's a plus too. You could always have her babysit them at her home anyway. That way you'll feel better and can see how it goes.

I used a thirteen year old babysitter. However she had gone through a babysitting certificate program, had a baby brother, and was CPR trained. I started her easy making sure there was no meal or bed time routines her first time around. Then I added a meal, then after she was familiar with our kids and house we added a bedtime with no bath. But even there I know her mother was across the street should she get stuck. Don't think I would use a thirteen year old if bed time was involved and they didn't have some experience with siblings or training. But if you do, make sure they they know the Heimlich and keep it short.

Yes, absolutely!

My nephews have always been my best (& the only kids I use, actually ;) babysitters and they both started at about 12y/o.

Make sure to give her some cash or buy her something nice to show her how much you appreciate her! You are lucky to have her, nothing beats family when it comes to having to choose someone to take care of your kids!

This is a known-sitter. If you think she's up for the challenge and they'd listen to her, then I'd consider it for a few hours. I would let a younger sitter babysit my preschooler but not my infant. If she's wanting to get into babysitting in general, maybe a good Christmas present (early?) would be taking a first aid/babysitter class. Most firestations offer one.

i used to babysit a 4 and 6 year old every day for a few house when i was 12

If shes responsible, then yes.

If she's mature then she absolutely could be babysitting at 13. Go out and enjoy yourself!!

I started babysitting when I was 12. I leave my boys with twelve year old babysitters. I would recommend she takes the babysitting course if she is going to be babysitting on a regular basis, and that she be able get a hold of you or another adult in case she has any problems.

Since she is family, you know her well and know her maturity level and capabilities, then I would go for it. With sitters that aren't family, my personal age requirement is at least 14 years old.

Of course that will be fine. I remember babysitting when I was 11 years old, the first night I had arrived in Norway to visit family. My little cousins were still small, I did not really know them, they mainly spoke French, and I only knew German, which neither neighbors nor anyone else spoke, and this was before cell phones. You grow with your tasks and all is fine in the end.
We were also left with my 8-year old boy cousin when we were tiny because my mom knew all would be fine with him. You can just sense those things. Don't worry too much. The kids will have a blast!

You are an adult and you have a 4,7, and 8 year old.
On any given day, and you are alone with your kids and your Hubby is not there to help... is it smooth and hardship free with your kids?

Then, imagine the 13 year old niece, with 3 young children, for a "few hours..." managing, the 3 children.

Has she had, childcare experience before? And knows First Aid and CPR etc.?
The ratio of 3 kids to one 13 year old... is that completely easy and doable, for your Niece?

I, in general, think 13 is fine. But, it will of course depend upon the maturity of the kid. You know her? So what do you think? My feeling is that if you're asking us, then you're not comfortable. And, if that's the case, then no.
Maybe you could hire her to babysit the kids while you're there doing other things. Just to see how she does?

Make sure there is a adult that is closer at in case something happens and she needs help. And that she can reach you if needed.

Absolutely. We were all babysitting at 13 and there's no reason not to let a responsible, trustworthy teen that you know well (and your kids know well) watch your children. I see no problem with it whatsoever.

Make sure she has your and your husband's cell numbers, as well as the phone number for the place you're going to be. You can also provide phone numbers for poison control and local police.