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12-31-2007, 11:35 AM Dancergirl Joined on 07-11-2007 Getting to Know Us Old enough? I am 12 years old, and will be 13 in like 3 months, and I have taken a YMCA babysitting course and have passed. I have tons of little cousins (even baby ones) that I alawys play with a do a good job of. Do you think I am ready to babysit? I love kids, dancing, and animals!    Report

01-01-2008, 6:02 PM babysitterlaura Joined on 08-12-2007 USA Getting to Know Us Re: Old enough? I started babysitting when I was 11 years old (now18), and did a great job.  However, in retrospect, I would not hire an 11 year old.  However, age is just a number, and its maturity level that matters.  I think that most 13 year olds can generally handle 1 or 2 children ages 3 and up.  It's great that you have taken a babysitting course and have gained some experience with family.  If you think you are ready and mature enough, and its okay with your parents, and people wil trust you with their children then you should go for it!!!  If you are still not sure if you want to be fully responsible for the saftey and wellbeing of children, you can always start out as a mothers helper and gain confidence and start babysitting when you feel ready.  I think if you feel ready, and parents will hire you, you'll do great!!  Good luck!!    Report

01-10-2008, 12:09 PM demoderby757 Joined on 02-22-2007 Richland County Along for the Ride Re: Old enough? I say if you're about 13 yrs old that it would be a good time to start babysitting.... i would babysit for family and family friends first to build up your references first.... that way when you do get a babysitting job outside the people you know they can call your references and see what they think.... you would need to ask the people you're using for your references first to make sure it's ok with them that you are going to be having people call them.... Good Luck!! Babysitter757    Report

01-12-2008, 11:43 AM Mommy2Lots Joined on 11-15-2006 Houston,TX Super Sitter!! Re: Old enough? I agree that 13 is old enough, especially since you have had training and looked after relatives. I started my first babysitting job around 12 or 13 and did very well. Like others have said, if you trust yourself, your parents trust you, and the children's parents trust you (and you, of course follow safety rules), I think it could work. Good luck to you. Parenting/Sitting Articles - If you view these, kindly return back to Babysitting Forums. ;-)    Report