Is Your Child Ready to Be a Babysitter?

Have you ever wondered when your child is ready to be a babysitter? For most kids, babysitting is a rite of passage, but it is important for your child to be prepared and ready for a new kind of responsibility. Before your child starts caring for others, here are some things to consider.

Is My Child Interested in Babysitting?

It is important that your child wants to take care of younger children. If they show interest, it may be a sign that babysitting is right for them.

Is My Child Old Enough to Babysit?

Although age is important when it comes to babysitting, it is not always the leading factor. Did you know that most states have a minimum age requirement when leaving little ones with another child. The requirements vary from state to state but are often 12 years of age. This can be a good point of reference when considering if your own child is ready.

Is My Child Used to Being Home Alone?

Before leaving your child in charge of others, it is critical that they have been home alone before and feel comfortable doing so. Any babysitter needs to feel secure in being alone before they are given the additional responsibility of watching other young children.

What Character Traits Does My Child Need to Have?

Having the opportunity to look after other children requires important abilities. Before becoming a babysitter, make sure that your child is:

• Responsible
• Mature
• Patient
• Able to follow rules
• Comfortable handling authority
• Able to make good decisions
• Knowledgeable on how to handle common household emergencies

How Can I Help Prepare My Child to Be a Babysitter?  

There are many ways you can better prepare your child for this next step! Here are some things you may consider doing:

• Allow your child to stay home alone
• Go over emergency situations and how to properly handle them
• Let them babysit siblings first
• Get them CPR certified
• Sign them up for babysitting classes

Having your child become a babysitter can be exciting and helpful! Make sure they are equipped with all the right tools before taking on this task. Classes are typically offered through local hospitals, the American Red Cross, and organizations such as Safe Sitter.