According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, it is not recommended for children to stay home alone until they are at least 12 years old. The Florida Department of Children and Families’ minimum age requirement to babysit is 14 years old.1
Babysitting teaches practical skills, but it also comes with risks. Here are questions to consider when judging whether your teen is home.1,4
Can I depend on my teen to supervise others?
Your teen must be responsible and mature enough to watch younger children in the home and especially outdoors. Would your teen frequently leave the room or be distracted by their phone? Would they take the chance to invite friends over? If they are doing a light activity, such as homework, can they stop their activity immediately if a child needs assistance?
Can my teen predict when kids need help?
A teen needs to be able to judge how much help a child needs to complete a task. For example, a young child may need help feeding themselves, tying shoes, using the bathroom, or reaching toys on a shelf. Your teen must demonstrate they are willing and able to do basic childcare if you are not there.
Is my teen aware of safety measures around the house?
Your teen must know how and why you enforce safety around the house. You may be using cabinet locks, door locks, window locks, outlet covers, furniture anchors, or stair gates at home. You may know to turn on the vent while cooking or to keep the washing machine door closed. Teens are likely not familiar with all these measures. Have you walked through the house with your teen and explained what you do to keep everyone safe?
Can my teen manage emotions and conflicts among others?
Your teen is not only watching children, they are leading them. They must respond to emotions such as sadness, anger, or hurt. In addition, children often argue with each other and even with their authority figure. Can your teen stay composed and maturely resolve conflicts? Can they hear all sides of a situation? Can they communicate without yelling or using physical force?
If you think your teen needs development in any of these skills, consider a babysitting class. The American Red Cross offers online and in-person babysitting classes for 11 years and older. These classes may also be offered at school, community centers, or online. Common topics include emergency first aid such as CPR and choking, childcare, child behavior, and activities to try at home.1
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Making the Home Safer
It is important to keep your home as safe as possible before your teen starts babysitting.4
- Show your teen where you keep your emergency supplies including a first aid kit, a flashlight, and a fire extinguisher.
- Store firearm safely: locked up, unloaded, and with ammunition stored separately.
- If your teen can drive, make sure your younger children’s car seats are properly installed in your teenager’s car.
- Teach your teen how to lock the doors and how to use gates for the staircases.
Making an Emergency Plan
Once your teen is ready to babysit, it’s time to make an emergency plan. Your plan may include:1,4
- Your contact information
- Your home address
- Your employer’s contact information
- Contact information of a family member, friend, or neighbor who can quickly provide help
- How to dial 911, your child’s pediatrician, and Poison Control 1-800-222-1222
- What to do in case of a fire
- What to bring if you must leave the house quickly
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Setting rules and boundaries
Before you leave your teen alone with younger children, make an agreement about rules and boundaries. For example, you can talk about:1, 4
- Activities that are allowed, not allowed, or limited, such as playing video games or watching TV
- Playing indoors vs. outdoors
- Bedtime, bath, and shower rules
- Using large appliances such as the oven, stove, microwave, washing machine, exercise equipment, etc.
- Meals or snacks
- Always answering the phone if you call
- Never allowing strangers into the home
Consider a “trial run” where the adult is still at home. Then, try increasing the time you are away.
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Choking prevention safety
Choking is a hazard during mealtimes or even during play. Your teen should know these safety measures before babysitting young children. Here are tips to reduce the risk of choking.5
- Educate your teen about choking. Show them how small food must be cut for a child to eat. Consider a babysitting class or a video on choking emergencies. Watch the video together and practice.
- Cut food into bite-size pieces before you leave.
- Insist that children should not be allowed to run, walk, play, jump, or lie down with food in their mouth.
- Show your teen how to close cabinets, boxes, and bags securely. No tiny, colorful objects should be left in the open. Do not have Buckyballs or water beads in the house.
Additional Information
For more information about how to prepare your teenager to babysit, call the Injury Free Coalition for Kids, a program of Jackson Hospital and University of Miami Funded by the Children’s Trust at 305-243-9080 or visit www.injuryfree.org.
Citations
- American Red Cross. (2024, November 11). How old do you have to be to babysit? www.redcross.org
- Babysitting and Overnight Care. (2020, September 8). www.myflfamilies.com
- Pinwheels for Prevention. (n.d.). When to leave your kids home alone. www.ounce.org
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022, August 26). Babysitting reminders: Checklist for parents & sitters. HealthyChildren.org. www.healthychildren.org
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024, August 23). Choking prevention for Babies & Children. HealthyChildren.org. www.healthychildren.org
