Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I agree I was a babysitter for a family when i was 12 !
the kids are not up that long any way.
I alway fell asleep on the couch but went home at 1.
My parents knew the family that was why i got to go
I was paid until they came home.
I met someone that was married at 14... and she was married in 1914.
On one hand, some wonder why kids today seem so immature and on the other hand we don't allow them the same responsibilities that were expected of us at that age.
At 16, I was driving a 9 passenger station wagon full of fellow students to the away High School games and today that would not be possible and even against the law in California.
Maturity, or lack thereof, varies amongst individuals... so depending on the circumstances, a 12 year old could easily be more conscientious than someone 18 years old.
At age 14, I ran a auto parts counter every Sunday afternoon and it was NOT a family business... at least it wasn't my family. I worked there all 4 years of High School and it was a great learning opportunity for me.
Both parents need a clear understanding of what's expected and the parents on either side have the obligation to say no if they disagree or believe the circumstance to be inappropriate.
Last edited by Ultrarunner; 02-19-2008 at 01:20 PM..
Reason: spelling
I'm sorry but if a person desperate enough to get away from their baby that they would leave it with a 12 year old child, maybe they should re-examine parenthood.
That's a rather misguided view, in my opinion. What's wrong with hiring a babysitter?
I will spare you my opinion of having a 12 year-old sit my children, but... You may want to consult with the child's parents (the sitter's, that is) on what they expect. As the sitter's wages belong to the parents, when do you stop paying for his service (when you arrive, or when he leaves). Who is responsible for his safety and insurance responsibilities? How responsible is he to your children, legally? I'd have a contract stating his overtime arrangements agreed to by his parents. There's a lot of liability at risk here.
I will call my lawyer who will call the clients lawyer and then begin the negoiations to the terms of the contract. It then will need to be signed and notarized in triplacate and filed on the local land records.
This why our country is in the state it is in. This is simple babvsitting for goodness sake. Get real. As for the age of babysitter, 12 is an acceptable age for most kids to start. Jay
I understand the frustration with lawyer wars. However, people will sue for everything: kids get fat on french fries... sue, I spilled coffee on myself... sue. I hurt myself breaking into your house... sue. See what I mean. It's awful, but it's the times. If the 12 yr. old sitter did something dangerous, the baby's parents would want someone to pay. If the 12 yr. old sitter got hurt, his parents would want money. I know it sounds cynical, but one cannot be too careful anymore.
I will call my lawyer who will call the clients lawyer and then begin the negoiations to the terms of the contract. It then will need to be signed and notarized in triplacate and filed on the local land records.
This why our country is in the state it is in. This is simple babvsitting for goodness sake. Get real. As for the age of babysitter, 12 is an acceptable age for most kids to start. Jay
Sounds too much like common sense... come now, we can't have that...
I'm sorry but if a person desperate enough to get away from their baby that they would leave it with a 12 year old child, maybe they should re-examine parenthood.
I find it odd that you are older than 30 (I know that from reading your post) and you have not learned that age in now way indicates maturity level. I know 12-13 year old kids that are more mature than adults.
You have not met his 12 year old boy and it is unfair for you to judge this person for having him watch their child(ren). Every situation is different. Being your age, you should know that already.
My wife use to work in social services and we would allow a 12 year old that was mature to watch our kids without hesitation.
We have lived on military bases for the past 15+ years and on every base we have been on, IL, CA, HI, FL, MO, and TX 12 year olds are authorized to sit for the Red Cross Babysitting Class, and babysit non-family members. At the age of 10, you may stay home by yourself. For goodness sakes, in many locations 15 year olds can be lifeguards, so 12 to babysit 2 children doesn't seem like a stretch to me!
We are now in California and my friend who is a 10 year member of the local Sheriff's department informs me that in California (some would say one of the most litigous states in the country) that there is no age for leaving a child home, but the rule of common sense and is to attach. In other words, 10 may be too young in some cases and 7 may be fine in others.
So, kudos to you for hiring a sitter for your children and not leaving them unsupervised. ;-) Furthermore, I can tell you are a thoughtful individual because you are considerate enough to ask where the sitter should sleep. So, obviously, as a parent you have given this some consideration. My answer would be to offer the choice to the sitter. Say "If you get tired, you can rack out on the couch or in the upstairs bedroom wherever you feel more comfortable."
No offense but I'm not sure its legal to have a 12 year old caring for children. I personally would not leave my child in the charge of someone that young.
I will spare you my opinion of having a 12 year-old sit my children, but... You may want to consult with the child's parents (the sitter's, that is) on what they expect. As the sitter's wages belong to the parents, when do you stop paying for his service (when you arrive, or when he leaves). Who is responsible for his safety and insurance responsibilities? How responsible is he to your children, legally? I'd have a contract stating his overtime arrangements agreed to by his parents. There's a lot of liability at risk here.
i agree with you but you need to stop worring about other peoples kids so much it is none of your buisness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1:m ad:
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
you are mean
