A few factors go into being ready to babysit. There is no magic age. It may depend on the child’s maturity and willingness to accept the responsibility of caring for another child.
Before letting their child babysit, parents should require they have the same qualifications that they themselves would expect from any babysitter they would hire. Any prospective babysitter needs to be:
- Responsible
- Mature
- Able to make good decisions
- Able to follow the rules
- Comfortable handling authority without abusing it
- Able to calmly handle any emergency or other problems that arise
Also consider, for example, if the child wants to babysit? Do they enjoy being with younger children? Can they handle an infant or child who has a tantrum? Can they be safe and feel comfortable alone in someone else’s home? Can they listen to and follow instructions?
Some skills start at home. Many experts say 10 or 11 is a good age to start with letting a child stay home alone for a couple hours during the day. If they complete the babysitting course, let them watch a younger sibling for a couple hours and take on household responsibilities. Ask a neighbor if the child can be a mother’s or father’s helper, which would allow them to work alongside the parent to learn how to care for the child.
Have a conversation about the responsibilities that come with babysitting. Babysitting is more than just hanging out and playing with a child; it is a matter of being responsible for another child’s life.
Sign the child up for a babysitting class, like upcoming Safe Sitter classes offered for ages 11-13 through the Health and Wellness Department at ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca. The classes, which are four hours each day, are offered June 13 and 14, July 18 and 19 and October 8 and 15. Safe Sitter teaches basic skills for babysitters including babysitting as a business, how to stay safe, CPR and choking rescue. The fee is $25. Pre-registration is required. Call 715.258.1119 to register.
By Cynthia Arnoldussen, registered nurse and clinical educator, Health and Wellness Department, ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca
