Last weekend (while DD was having a meltdown in her highchair during lunch) my neighbor's daughter stopped by to let me know she'd love to babysit if we were ever interested. We have lived in the neighborhood for 1 year and have had some interactions with this family. Other neighbors who I know better have had nothing but good things to say about them. What I know if that she is 1 of 5 daughters (#4 in the order), the mother has stayed home in the last 10 years or so and they are a good catholic family. The girl who came by is 13.

So - DD is 2 years old now and generally a pretty good kid...she certainly has her moments. She is obviously still in diapers but other than not letting her do stairs on her own (just requires hand holding since we have hard wood floors) she is pretty independent in the house.

I am thinking of maybe trying her out as a Mommy's helper? I am not quite sure that I think a 13 year old is old enough to be home alone for extended periods of time - plus I honestly am not sure she could lift DD onto the changing table - but maybe I am naive! What do you guys think - this way I am there but DD can start building a relationship with her? I was thinking maybe 2 hours on Saturday (9am-11am) or something...

What would you think to pay her - fwiw we pay our babysitter from daycare $10-15/hr depending on the circumstances? Should I speak to her Mom first? Experiences with younger Mommy's helpers?