Is a 13 year old old enough to babysit a 3 year old relative? If so, for how long at a time? If not, when will she be?

*Also, this particular 13 year old lives with the 3 year old, so knows her routine*

I wouldn't

really depends on the teenager. I babysat a toddler a few times when I was 13.

I started babysitting at 11. If she's responsible enough I would. My mom started at 9

pretty sure the law here is 14...

and me personally, I don't think I was mature enough at 13 to babysit...

No........

It would depend on how responsible the 13 yr old is and how long the child would be left with them! I wouldn't leave them alone for too long, just incase something happened, But i believe for short time periods it would be fine.

<blockquote><b>Quoting HopingforaMiracle:</b>" I started babysitting at 11. If she's responsible enough I would. My mom started at 9"</blockquote>




 
This

I'd let her. Idaho law is 11. We looked into it because my niece is 13 and wants to babysit Rory.

Quoting J+D=4:" pretty sure the law here is 14... and me personally, I don't think I was mature enough at 13 to babysit..."

I Googled it and it says here the age is 11. I started younger than that, and I was babysitting non relatives before I was 12.

the law here is 12, so yes for most 13 years olds I would. It all depends on the 13 year old. Some are mature, some are like 6 year olds

i think it depends on the 13year old. my son is 12 and very responsible, we let him watch his brother if im running to the store or something quick.

Depends on the 13 year old and how mature they are.
But I voted yes...

I was babysiting a 4 yr old at 13.
He wasn't even family, just a kid up the street. And I was just fine.

Quoting I'm His Amy He's My Rory:" I'd let her. Idaho law is 11. We looked into it because my niece is 13 and wants to babysit Rory."

I'm really just thinking in case of emergency. Like, if we needed to go to the hospital and no one could be here right away. And maybe to run to the store if Hailey was napping or something? I don't know that I'll actually do it, just wondering what people find "acceptable".

It depends on the teen. My little sister is 12 and incredible. She hasn't babysat alone yet but once we move (in January) she probably will. She feels comfortable with them, we wouldn't give her anything crazy to do, and it would be for short periods of time.

I wouldn't expect a young teen to be able to do more than a couple of hours.