Last night Mike and I had one of our "discussions". When I use the word discussion it usually means that Mike is being unreasonable and I am trying not to lose my temper with him. I have to say that Mike is a wonderful dad. However, since Krissy hit puberty it is like he has lost his mind.
We are disagreeing about if Krissy(she is 11 soon to be 12 in Oct) is old enough to babysit. Last night Krissy was offered a regular babysitting job. It is 2 nights a week for about 4 hours a day after school. Mike doesn't think Krissy is old enough to watch the little child. I, on the other hand, think that Krissy is old enough. I was babysitting my neighbors children when I was that age and if anything it made me more independent than I was before I started babysitting.
Krissy is a good person. She has been on the honor roll for the last 3 years and has gotten several awards for her grades. Last year in early 2004 she even was accepted into the Duke University TIP program. I feel that if she can accomplish all that, she can handle watching a 4 year old girl a few hours. Most of all is Krissy wants to babysit so she can earn herself some money.
Am I being to laid back as a mother or is Mike right that Krissy is too young?
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4 comments:
Like you I started babysitting at 11 or 12... As long as you are nearby if there is an emergency, I think she would be just fine.
Eleven is the normal age to start babysitting in my part of the country. Our local hospital offers a babysitting class for 11 and 12 year olds to learn about child safety and some other things. Maybe your husband would feel more comfortable if your daughter did something like that first?
I think it is a great opportunity for your daughter to become more independent and responsible, and she is just the right age. Maybe you can find out what it is exactly that your husband is worried about and try to address that specifically?
I started baby sitting at the same age (11 or 12) and I was watching a 3 year old and a 6 month old. I think as long as you are near by in case of an emergency and as long as she's not sitting at night (I know I didn't do that till I was 13 or 14) I'm sure she'd be fine. I would give her some independance and her own spending money. :)
My two cents as a child psychologist (which I am - licensed and everything!!) - 12 is the average age for girls to begin babysitting. Sounds like your Krissy is a level headed girl, so she seems to be right on target. Mike, however, is probably feeling very protective of her.... but you and he would be around/close by when she sits, right? My feeling is she is ready - I hope you and Mike will be able to work that out :-) Have a good weekend, and keep your chin up :-)
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