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I would since she's a neighbor and one of her parents could quickly step in if necessary. At 12, I definitely remember babysitting neighborhood kids.

I would

I would probably do a test run first (have her "babysit" while you are at home for an hour or whatever) but if everything seems fine, I'd do it!

@Mamaof2: they probably weren't thinking lawsuits or "bad parenting decisions" splashed all over the internet.

My brain says yes and my heart says no. I definitely babysat at 12, for kids much younger than yours. And having her mom close and your kids already knowing her make me feel good about it. But 12 sounds so young!

It depends on the individual, but I think I would for an hour or two here or there because at 5 and 7, it's more about companionship than keeping them alive like with babies. I'd probably make some rules like no using the stove, no leaving the house, etc, YMMV.

I used to babysit a family with 4 kids (ages 3-8) when I was 12 as well as some other smaller families. The parents were all friends with my mom and everyone lived within a 5 minute drive of my house if I needed help. It was totally fine- the parents always premade dinner or left pizza money so I didn't use the stove and we would usually just play board games or watch a movie until bedtime.

Sorry, but hell no. lol. I was 13 when I babysat. I was a straight A student. Anyone would say I was super responsible. Families I went to church with hired me. I was an AWFUL babysitter. I totally ignored parental instructions and let the kids do whatever they wanted, as long as they left me alone basically. And I didn't even have an iPhone to distract me! Tweens are the worst lol. I just wouldn't trust one to be paying close enough attention to keep the kids safe because I don't think they are capable of understanding the weight of their responsibility.

But then again, I've never left my daughter with anyone other than daycare or her grandma. So... I'm definitely the far end of the spectrum. (I WOULD leave her with a trusted older babysitter with references if my mom wasn't around)

I used to babysit infants when I was 12. So if she seems like a mature 12 year old, I'd go for it. But $8? Either inflation has gone crazy or babysitting pays crazy more than when I was in the game. Or maybe I'm just getting too old.

@Mrs Spoon: I'm actually thinking $8 is really cheap!!

Yes, at 12 and her mom being two doors down. I think for a few hours or less should be fine. I'd even do it at bedtime but skip bath time that night.

12 seems so young, but I know I was babysitting young kids when I was that age.

If it was for a longer period of time, like the whole day, or late at night I'd use an older babysitter.

I think if the kids are sleeping, I would. And if not, I would definitely do the test run thing. I also was not a good co-babysitter at that age. My cousin ran the show but we didn't know what we were doing. Does she have little brothers or sisters? I think she needs real experience with kids before I would do it with them awake and I would be super picky.

I would not hire a 12 year old for my kids due to their health. With their food allergies, I need someone who can use the right judgement to administer antihistamine or epi-pen without hesitation.

If they didn't have food allergies, I may consider it and have some test trials while I'm at home with them. See how the 12 year old interacts with your kids and give her some hypothetical scenarios to see what she would do.

I would happily let a 12 year old watch my child. It sounds like it's something she is taking seriously enough to take classes. I watched 2 year old twins at that age and was regularly left home alone with my 3 young siblings + other children. Never for more then a few hours, but still. The neighbors where around, I had a list of numbers to call. I even called poison control on my own once.

No, I would probably hold out for a 14 or 15 year old.

My son is 5 and it would be totally okay IF it was a situation where they did not leave the house, meaning, they were kind of on lock down in the house. It would also have to be during the day, if my son woke up and we weren't there, I don't think a 12 year old could handle that chaos.

I know my son and he'd try to manipulate the sitter into going for a walk down to the playground and that would be off limits.

Yes, I'm this case I would. You know her, she seems responsible, mom's two houses down just in case, your kids are older, she's motivated to start babysitting. I wouldn't let just any 12 year old watch my kids, but in this situation, I would let her babysit.

I would. We will be having my 12 yr niece come stay with us and if she is willing, we will have her watch my 22 month old son. She will not have anyone around to help. We will just come home if she needs help.