Help! My Child Wants to Babysit.

It's important to stress the seriousness of babysitting when making the decision to babysit. When you accept the responsibility of babysitting, you are accepting the responsibility for a child's life. Here are some things a parent should consider:

• Does my child seem capable enough to handle the responsibilities of caring for a younger child?  Is my child able to stay in control of herself and in control of the younger children; i.e. handling an infant who won't stop crying?
• Is my child able to practice safe habits for the younger child and herself?  Is my child able to handle household situations; i.e. typical things than can happen such as telephone calls, someone at the door?  Would my child feel comfortable at someone else's home alone (no adults) after dark?
• Is my child able to listen to and follow instructions?  (Does my child feel comfortable talking to adults?)
• Is my child able to be an advocate for herself; i.e. knowing her limits?
• Does my child want to start babysitting?  Has my child actually asked to babysit?  Does my child enjoy younger children?  Do younger children naturally gravitate to my child?

It is absolutely essential that a babysitter knows how to rescue a choking child and be able to handle a life-threatening emergency; i.e. when and how to call 911.