When is it ok to let teenagers look after siblings?

[mosschops30]

dd is 14 and just wondered when it was ok to leave her with ds1(5) and ds2(8 months).

I have left her with the baby a couple of times, just to pop to the shop but normally take ds1 with me because they wind each other up and the baby is obviously much easier.

Im not planning to go out all night or anything or leave her with them all day but would be good to know when me and dh can go to the gym together for an hour or so, or a couple of drinks together at the local (5 minute walk)

[Ilythia]

Legally there is no specific age although the nspcc recommends not under 16 for a babysitter.
At 14 I was babysitting for money and looking after my little brother so I would say, if she was sensible, then it shoudl be fine.
Maybe try it one night when ds1 is asleep and go the pub to ease her in gently

[Poshwellies]

I was babysitting at 14 but there is no way in hell I would let my dd whose 15 look after her brother of 7yrs.

They fight CONSTANTLY.

[GypsyMoth]

depends on your family...and different combinations of dc work well,some dont!!

[mumblechum]

DS has been babysitting for a few months now, is 15.

For younger siblings I think 14 would be ok. I used to hire 14 yr olds when mine were little

[mosschops30]

yes I can remember babysitting at 14 and having young sitters myself.

I wouldnt leave dd with ds1 for any length of time because as you mention, they fight and he doesnt really listen to her. But I wouldnt have any problems with her looking after the baby for a few hours.

Just wondered what the egenral opinion was, thanks