Teenage babysitters WDYT???

[Tinks]

I'd do it. When we were kids we were always babysat by teenagers and I've always had teens babysit my kids when I've needed it.

She lives next door so if she needs any help her mother is right there.

$10 an hour sounds perfect.

[Mum2Romone]

i remember i used to get $10 an hour..... when I was 12 My mum used to leave me with 2 brothers 9 and 6, step brother 5 and stepsister 1 yr old. So lots of other parents started 'using ' me lol

But of course experience with younger brothers/sisters was what made it easy for me.
I'd only leave my son with someone he knew, who had experience with a baby and could react in an emergency. Not just call 000 or run next door to their parents. I'd want someone who could help me son if he was choking etc. Things happen in the blink of an eye.

I'd trust a 12 year old that knew how to look after a child already rather than an 18 year old who didn't. Just my thoughts

[LimeSlice]

$10 sounds perfect...

If you come home and she has done your dishes and tidied up for you then I would up it to $15 lol

[Feijoa Mum]

I wish I had a 15yr old girl living next door to me willing to babysit

I would definately take her up on it and depending on how long you are gone for I reckon between $10 - $15 an hour would be fair.

Maybe give her a trial run but when you are home.
Her been the main caregiver and you can do all those little jobs that never seem to get done with little people around (ie read a book with your feet up ) Then you can oversee her interaction and make sure you feel comfortable with her.

Good luck

[EmilyRose]

I think Feijoa Mums idea is really good - do a trial run at home with her first.

I have a trial sitting for a family tomorrow where the mum will be home for the first half hour. It makes such an easier transition for the kids too.