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Teens and Babysitting

Babysitting is a great experience for teens.  Many times it is their first adventure into the world of work.  It can teach them valuable lessons about parenting and finance.  In addition, it will teach them responsibility and build their self-confidence.  This is always a popular choice for kids because there is always a demand for a good, reliable baby sitter.  However, it is your responsibility as a parent to determine if your teen is ready for the job. 

Questions to ask yourself to determine if your child is ready to babysit:

• Do you think she is mature enough to handle other children?

• Does she use common sense?

• Has she been left home alone yet?

• Do you think she will stay calm in an emergency situation?

• Does she enjoy children? 

• How much experience does she have interacting with small children?

• Is she comfortable interacting with adults?

• Can she fit it into her schedule?

Questions to ask your child to determine if she is ready to babysit:

• What would you do if the child started to choke on their food?

• Do you think that you can change a "dirty" diaper?

• What would you do if a baby would not stop crying?

• What would you do if one child wanted to go outside but the other wanted to stay inside?

• Do you know how to feed a baby?

If you can honestly answer these questions in a positive fashion then your child is ready for a babysitting job.  Many times teens will start out as a parent's helper.   This is a position for the individual that is too young or not quite ready to baby sit on their own.  They can get a job watching children while the parents are around.  Many times it will be as simple as playing with the child to keep them amused while the parent gets some chores done around the house.  This can easily turn into a regular baby sitting job once they have reached the age and maturity level. 

It is smart to enroll your teen in a babysitting and CPR class.  These classes are offered through your parks and recreation department or the local YMCA. 

Make sure your child is fully prepared before she begins a job and you should always have her start with small jobs.   One child for a few hours is a great introduction until she has some experience and matures.