What is the Proper Babysitting Age?

2009-06-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

It is difficult to find a precise answer to the correct babysitting age question. It can be different depending on where in the world you live, and even what state you live in, here in the United States. If you're a potential babysitter, think beyond the question "Am I legally old enough to babysit?" to the more important question of "Am I responsible and mature enough to babysit these children?" There's nothing wrong with knowing your limits, and the answer to the question may be different depending on how *many* children you will be sitting, and their ages as well.

Taking care of small children is an important task and not one you should take lightly. You should normally be over 16 years of age before you consider babysitting babies or toddlers. Older children can keep out of trouble more easily, and they can entertain themselves more readily, if you are busy with one of them having a problem. It is still most important though, to know where your charges are at all times, regardless of their age.

The number of children that you'll be sitting for is an important factor, too. You can be very capable and comfortable sitting for a 6 year old, but two children who are 10 years old may be too much, regardless of whether you are of babysitting age or not. It really will help you if you *know* the children, since the more you know them, the easier it will generally be to look after them. You'll already have a handle on their likes and dislikes, too, and you'll know how to entertain them and keep them happy.

It will ultimately be up to the children's parents to decide if you're old enough to sit their children. But even if they agree to it, you need to be in your comfort zone, too. The parents may have used you for sitting before, and think that you'll be fine with 4 children at once. You may not find that such a good idea, if the children can be a handful, each on their own. It's not wrong to know your limits. Don't take on more children than you know you can handle. You will be held responsible for anything that happens while the children are in your care, so make sure you're OK with the number of children you'll be sitting. Babysitting age is only one point in determining if you're ready for the task before you.

Most states and countries DO have legal age limits for babysitters. But your abilities and maturity are as important as your age. Even if it's legal, it may not be wise. The correct babysitting age is highly dependent on your maturity, and also the age and number of children you'll be sitting for.