Would You Allow a Teenager to Care for Your Children During Summer Break?

I wouldn't have a problem with her babysitting my child if he and perhaps one other child near his age were around. I think someone her age taking on small children in a group would be terribly difficult. It's difficult at 41!!

I hope he finds what she needs. It's so hard being a mom as an adult (whatever that is), I can't imagine how hard she'll have it. But I'm sure with your support and love, she'll do great. :)

And a big for shame to those judging her age and pregnancy. I say she's more responsible for trying to figure out a way to make a life for her and her child by working. I just hope she finishes school. Good luck to you and your daughter.

Hi D. - I'm not sure how 'young' you want but I am 35 with a 5 year old son. We are planning to get pregnant again this year hopefully so the issue of child care has been on my mind. Currently our son is watched over by both sets of grandparents for the part of the day he is not in school - they trade off days during the week. This worked out great for 5 years but they are older now and we wouldn't expect them to take on a 2nd child - an infant - for us. Considering the older age of our parents also makes me consider the much younger age of your daughter as it relates to her being responsible for a daycare situation. Personally, no, I would not consider her as a daycare provider - whether I had an infant or a school-aged child. I wouldn't consider a person that age for an evening babysitter either. While 15 year olds can be very mature for their age I think this is much too young for her to be taking on the responsibility for other people's children for long periods of time. It is going to be hard enough for her with her own child although I'm sure she will get help and good advice from you. I was 30 when I had my son and it was still a shock - the responsibility, the forethought you have to have as a mom, the dedication, the sacrifice,etc. It is all worth it but still it is very difficult at the beginning to adjust. I would be very concerned with references, environment, safety, etc. but with her being so young that would trump the positive points and would weigh much heavier on my decision. Also, taking on daily, all day daycare responsibility for other children as a job is a commitment that would be very important to the parents of these children. If it didn't work out and/or she decided she couldn't/didn't want to handle it that would strongly affect these parents and their schedules. I'm sorry I can't be more positive in my response but I felt like you wanted people to be very honest. What about summer tutoring - would she be qualified/interested in doing something like that? She might make more money with much less responsibility and commitment involved with something like that. Best of luck to you all.

One thing to take into consideration are the laws in Georgia concerning childcare. The state generally is very interested in who is running childcare. If she is wanting to just watch one child or for a couple during just the summer break thats one thing but if she is wanting to have a childcare business thats completely different.

As a mother of two boys and as a previous childcare provider I wouldn't hire a 15 year old for the summer. There are entirely way too many things that can happen that they just don't have to life experience to handle.

My first thought (concern) would be the fact that she is only 15 and not able to drive a car in case of an emergency...
Age doesn't necessarily mean (that) much, is she mature for her age? Sounds like she has experience enough to do so but the driving factor would play a role in my (personal) opinion.

Good luck to you both.

Hi D.,

My son is thirteen months old, and at this age I take great consideration into his caregiver's age, as I feel more comfortable that if needed, she would be able to drive my child to another destination. Of course, he's very young, and I know that when I was aroundd 15 or 16, other people let me baby sit in the summers for children who were a little older, like 5 or 6. I think as the child ages, the age factor for the babysitter might become less important, and the fun and play factors increase. Hope this helps!

I also babysitted since I've been very young so I know personally that at 15 a child could be responsible enough to care for a child. But personally I barely trust family members with my kids much less a child themself. If I WERE to ever choose a child to babysit my kids I would want to know how responsible that child is in other things..references and how well the child does at home.I also personally wouldnt let a young girl who has a child babysit my children..just b/c that tells alot about the girl and responsibility on her part.

well personally I do take into consideration not there age but there responsibility level at the age they are......like your daughter is 15 and pregnant, personally I wouldnt have her watch my child because of that...it shows to me that she doesnt need any responsibility, because she obviously cant handle it......I understand the situation your in and its not a mean remark to you or your child because I feel for her, but you asked for our opinions and personally I think she will probably have a hard time trying to get people to let her babysit there children when she is a child having a child.......

I respect your daughter no matter how she became pregnant for treasuring the life that lives inside her. As far as your request. I started babysitting at 13 for people and I live in southern GA. I am now 32 years old. I love having young girls sit for me if I can tell they love kids and aren't doing it just for the money. I would ask around and see if someone is intrested. If she loves kids anyone would love to have her. IF she wants to keep more than one or two it may be hard with her own baby as well. Hope this helps

If the teenager is responcible CPR/fIRST AIDE certified I see no problem with it.

hey donna jean.
i am 26 with two girls ages 5 and 9 months. yes i was a nanny at age 19 for a family from sweden. there are a few teens in my church whom are certified to babysit. meaning~ they have cpr certification, first aid certification, and their parents are with them at all times.~ those two things and the house its self are a few things i would look at. i know i do not know her situation and i am not preaching or putting her down or you for that matter, but i would look at her being preganent at the age of 15. no age doesnt matter in some situations but in some it does.
please dont take this to heart i was just answering your question honestly. take care and good luck