[mara1m]

Can I babysit ALONE with kids if I'm 12? I took the red cross course and am turning 12 in June and I'm wondering if I can babysit kids for a summer gig. Can I get paid? Can I apply to a website now for the future? Grrrr this is so confusing.

[teacherjenn4]

You should never advertise on any website. Ask your parents , relatives, and friends if they know someone who needs a babysitter. You may need to start babysitting while the parents are home and when they feel they can trust you, you may get to watch their kids alone. Make sure your parents have approved of your babysitting and know where you are at all times.

[tickle]

I don't think you are old enough to babysit on your own, even if you are taking an RC course. You may know the basics or theory of what you are supposed to do in an emergency, but don't think you could carry it through at 12.

Do you really want that responsibility yet ? Babysitting (for lack of a better description) is sitting with childfren who may not be the best company, and totally unresponsive when their parents are away, taking advantage of someone not much older or just a bit older then themselves.

[Alty]

When I was a kid the legal age to babysit was 12, but I'm not sure if it's still the same now. That was a long time ago. ;)

I do know that my neighbors daughter turned 12 a few months ago and posted signs all over the neighborhood, and went door to door, telling people she's now available to babysit. A few of the neighbors have already hired her. But, her mother is only a few houses away if anything happens.

I think it's okay as long as you know the people, and as long as there is an adult nearby that you can call on if something happens.

Check out this link, it may help a bit.

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&...,d.cGE&cad=rja