My friend is planning to earn money. Do you think to baby sit would be a great idea? She is actually 15 years old. What do you think?

Well it depends on how responsible she is and how much time she has as she is still young and should also concentrate on her studies, as long as its not an every night things i suppose it can ok!

Just out of the blue, how old are you, as you said your friend who is 15 and you also mentioned in another thread that you have a baby???????????

Actually Sim, the 15 year old child was actually my niece. I consider her as one of my friend because we really get along like friends. Yes, I already have a child. I was planning to hire a baby sitter and she represents herself. I still have doubts that's why I ask other people's opinion. What else do you think I should consider?

Well, I think it's depends. Do you think your friend had enough skills to do that? Maybe, there are some who could already work in an early age.

Chjoy had a point about this. I think, your friend needs to gain skills on how to handle this things. Maybe age would matter in doing such baby sit. By the way, is she going to works it alone?

I think that a 15 yr old should have the common sense needed to babysit. If she wants, she should check and see if there is a babysitting class available in your area. They have them here threw the red cross.

I would love to have a 15 yr old in my area to call to babysit.

I think, a 15 year old child could handle baby sitting. We just have to give them clear instructions. Do you like the younger person to look after your child than older one?

Aside from the age of your niece (15) you have to consider the age of your child. Can a 15 year old attend to the needs of your child at your child's age?

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As she is your niece, I assume that she know your child and she has a bit experience of taking care of your child. So I guess you can give her a try. But It will be a bit problem if she cannot meet your need. I mean, you will not so easy tell her that you will get someone else to baby sit for you.

Do you trust your niece? I mean you know her. Does she have the capacity to handle such responsibility? If you answered "yes" then, I think you should hire her.

Everybody has a point. Brandy was also right...we have to put also in consideration the capacity of your niece. But wait, 15 years old is a minor, right? Try to consider also the labor law, it might give you a problem later on.

That's a nice reminder, Hanna! But she is my niece, and I just want to help her to gain income of her own. Do you think this is still illegal? By the way, what are the consequences if you'll go against this law?

Here in mi there are classes that a teen can take to become a babysitter. So that there is no trouble with the law and she will be safe if she is a certified baby sitter .

I thought I could hire anyone at any age for this type of job. I haven't heard about a certified baby sitter before. If I would hire one, would it be expensive?

I don't think how expensive it is, bethoven. Why don't you try to ask in an agency to have a babysit? I know they could help you something.

try having her come and watch your children while you are home so you can see how she handles things. This way if she has questions while babysitting you are there to show her and to answer her questions and she will learn your household routine.

I started babysitting in this manner when I was 9 and am now a professional Child Care Provider and getting my degree at University to become a teacher.

Dont sell those teenagers short!

Babysitting is a good way to earn money for teenagers. However, she must enjoy being around kids and also be aware of first aid procedures and other safety measures. Baby sitting is not difficult but it takes a very responsible individual. You can't just literally sit with kids - they need to be stimulated when it's necessary, fed, talked to, etc. If your friend is up to a little challenge, then I am sure she will be making a decent income for her age by taking up this feat.

Wow! I didn't even think that a 9 year old child could handle baby sitting. How many years did it take you to become a professional child care provider?

Why did you think that it would be illegal? If her parents allowed her to baby sit your children, I guess it would be legal. And besides, the job is not really that difficult. By the way, if you go against the law, you would be send to jail.

Probably she just likes her niece. well at the age of 15 you could hand over some responsibilities but i suggest with caution as not all responsibilities are intended for 15 year old kids, would you agree>?

I guess your right, Kyles. I was thinking if she could handle my kids well. I mean, when you baby sit, everything is your responsibility. You would make milk, play with them and you would put them in bed. Would it be fine if I would let her invite some friends?

I think that having her invite friends over would not be a good Idea . The reason that i say that is for the simple fact that she is a teen and teens if they have friends over they tend to forget what they are doing or even in some cases what they are doing as far as responsibilities . I would think that at this point it would not be a wise thing to do .

I think as long as you think she's mature enough then that should be fine. However, I would start her out with only a few hours a week.. just to make sure that she can handle it.

My mom forced me to babysit all my younger siblings from the age of 12-18 and it wasn't fun. It can get very stressful.. especially when trying to focus on doing homework. I would really talk it over with her, and honestly... you know her better than anyone, so follow your gut feeling.

Tell her too, to let you know if things are getting too tough on her or anything, because I know, being 15, she's not gunna wanna feel like a failure or like she's giving up

While I think that she can do it . I have no doubt that she can just be careful with her being a teen that she does the job and not someone else . I know one girl who was supose to baby sit and in stead she had her girl friend do it for her while she got paid