Is your teen ready to babysit? How to tell – and how to help them feel confident and safe
Wondering if your teen is ready to babysit? Here’s how to tell – plus training courses to boost their confidence and safety skills.
Babysitting your younger kids might seem like the perfect way for your teen to earn a bit of responsibility – and maybe even a little cash. But how do you know if they’re actually ready to be left in charge?
From spotting the right signs of maturity to prepping them with essential safety training, here’s what you need to know before handing over the reins.
Start with a reality check: are they really ready?
Just because your teen’s hit double digits doesn’t mean they’re naturally ready to babysit.
In the UK, while there is no legal minimum age for babysitting, leading child safety organisations advise caution when considering under-16s for such responsibilities.
The NSPCC recommends that no one under the age of 16 should be left to care for a baby or toddler, emphasising the importance of maturity and preparedness in caregiving roles .
Similarly, the Child Law Advice Service advises that if you intend to hire someone under the age of 16 as a babysitter, you must carefully assess their suitability, as parents remain responsible for their child's safety
What you’re looking for is less about age and more about attitude. Do they show interest in helping with younger siblings? Are they calm under pressure? Can they make sensible decisions when you're not there?
Dr Colleen Kraft, a paediatrician, says, “Look at how they handle their own routines, how responsible they are with schoolwork, and whether they’re generally trustworthy.” Translation: if your teen can’t remember to pack their own lunch, they might not be ready to manage snack time and screen rules for your 4-year-old.
Signs your teen could be babysitter material
You don’t need a checklist – but these are good signs they’re heading in the right direction:
- They’re patient (especially with younger siblings)
- They follow rules and routines without nagging
- They’re happy to help and don’t shy away from responsibility
- They can stay calm in unexpected situations
- They’ve stayed home alone before and felt confident doing so
Still not sure? Try a practice run – leave them in charge for 20 minutes while you pop to the shop. It’s a great way to see how they handle the basics.
The best way to prep them? Babysitting and first aid training
Even if your teen seems totally capable, a bit of formal training can be a real confidence booster – for both them and you.
An online babysitting course can be a great place to start. Designed for young people, these courses typically cover everything from planning age-appropriate activities and understanding child behaviour to handling emergencies and communicating with parents.
You could also look at paediatric first aid or CPR/AED courses – especially if your child has medical needs or allergies. These courses teach teens how to handle choking, minor injuries, or more serious emergencies like diabetic episodes or allergic reactions.
Don’t skip the house rules and emergency plan
Even the most sensible teen can get flustered if something goes wrong. Make it easier for them by writing out:
- Your mobile number, plus a backup contact
- Any medical info (like allergies, meds or GP details)
- Food and screen-time rules
- Bedtime routines
- House boundaries (e.g. no visitors, no cooking, no tech in bedrooms)
Go over it all with your teen before you leave. And yes, it’s totally fine to text reminders while you’re out.
Once they’re ready, babysitting can be a brilliant way for your teen to grow their confidence, learn responsibility, and even earn a bit of extra cash.
And for you? It’s peace of mind knowing there’s a capable, trusted pair of hands at home – and maybe even the chance for the odd date night.
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.