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Is a 5th grader responsible enough to watch a 1st grader?

SteppingUp's picture

Submitted by SteppingUp on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 8:26am

SD6 has now been going to BM's friend's house after school rather than daycare. We thought the mom was there....but apparently it's just the 5th grade girl and SD6. I realize that it probably depends on the 5th grader (as some are more mature and knowledgeable than others). It worries me because A) This mother is friends with BM, who is rather irresponsible parent and doesn't teach her kids anything about safety, and Dirol They're alone for about 2 hours after school in an apartment complex. The apartment thing could be a good thing because obviously if there were an emergency it wouldn't take long to find help. But also it worries me for random strangers who might somehow find out that there are two little girls alone in an apartment.

Maybe I'm just worrying about it too much and being too protective? What do you all think?

Comments

Jsmom's picture

Submitted by Jsmom on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 8:30am

No you are not! Call the police dept and see what the law is in your county. Ours is 13. Then report BM....

Soon-to-be-Step-Mommy's picture

Submitted by Soon-to-be-Step... on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 8:32am

I'm not quite sure about this. I know that I started babysitting at age 11, and this was for hours at a time at night. But I was also CPR certified and had taken a babysitting course. I think things have changed though. I'm pretty sure my husband wouldn't be comfortable leaving SD with an 11 year old for an evening.

lebooze's picture

Submitted by lebooze on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 8:37am

Google the babysitting laws for your state! I know in Ga it is allowed for certain hours, and/or a class.. My 5th grader is extrememly bright and aware of the rules and precedures. I guess it all depends on the child!

DaizyDuke's picture

Submitted by DaizyDuke on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 8:41am

I guess for me it would depend. some 5th grade girls are pretty mature AND maybe this gal has a neighbor right next door that she knows she can go to if she needs help or something if they live in a big complex? I personally would not be comfortable with my child hanging with a 9 year old for 2 hours alone, but to each their own. I agree with the others, see if there is some type of law or guideline in your state for babysitting age.

SteppingUp's picture

Submitted by SteppingUp on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 8:53am

I agree with you that it could depend on the girl. I guess the worry part comes from not trusting BM's judgement with other things so we're not sure how much to trust with this.

overit2's picture

Submitted by overit2 on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 8:41am

Personally, I would mind my own bsns...you're trying to make "cuts" on time with SD, rightfully so--so to start interfering in who she chooses for after care at this point will just come across as "nothing's good enough?"

Depends on the state also , some dont' have this law-PERSONALLY it would not be my choice. BUT 2hrs a day isn't that excessive honestly-millions of parents are forced financially to do this.

SteppingUp's picture

Submitted by SteppingUp on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 8:45am

Ahhh............I just googled it and found the guidelines under our state's child abuse website....it's under the NEGLECT heading. A 5th grader is what -- 9 or 10 years old?

•Children who are nine (9) years old should not be left unsupervised for periods greater than two (2) hours during the daytime. This age child should not be unsupervised at night and should not supervise other children;
•Children who are 10 and 11 years old may be left alone for longer periods of time. However, caution is advised in leaving a child unsupervised during sleeping hours. Children in this age should not be responsible for younger children;
•Children who are the age of twelve (12) years and older may be permitted to act as babysitters. It is recommended that they successfully complete an approved childcare training course. Caution should be advised on number of children left in care, length of time for care giving responsibility, factors regarding special needs of children left in care and resources available to child providing care;