One of the most common questions I would get when working the road was, “When is it legal to allow a child to babysit?” There is no law that covers the age of a babysitter, in Ohio anyway. Some nanny states may have one but I don’t live in one of those.

What does cover the topic is the Ohio law dealing with Child Endangering. That is a pretty broad law that uses common sense. If you have a child(ren) in the car when arrested for OVI, you will also receive a Child Endangering charge for each child.

If you go to a bar to drink or to the grocery and leave an 8 year old in charge of a 2 year old, you will get CE charges. While passed out on heroin and the tykes are playing in the street, you will be charged. Don’t guffaw, I have arrested people multiple times under these conditions.

So what age is it ok for a kid to babysit? How about we discuss maturity instead of age. If the child fights with siblings constantly while the parent is home, what makes you think it would be any different when the parent is away? If a child is constantly in trouble with the police or at school, the child is too immature to babysit.

Perhaps you think your teen is mature enough to babysit but have a nagging doubt. You ask the prospective business person, as a babysitter is often the first opportunity at working and taking on the responsibility of others, what they would do in a certain situation? What if the child starts vomiting, constantly cries or becomes unruly? Does the babysitter to be know how to apply minor first aid? What to do if a couple of friends stop by and want to hang out? All legitimate scenarios that confront babysitters the same as they do parents.

I do have a suggestion. As an instructor for the American Red Cross, I am aware of a class through that organization on Babysitter Training. Topics covered in the class include the following:

Leadership training

The business of babysitting, including how to set up your pricing

Understanding and caring for kids from 0 to 10

Safety skills, picking up, holding, feeding and diapering infants and toddlers

First Aid

Resume’ and business card templates

“How to Ace an Interview” guide

Selfassessment tool

Safety inspection checklist and more

I am willing to say a few parents should take this class as well. It sure beats being charged with Child Endangering or suffering lifelong consequences that could easily be avoided. If you are interested in registering your child or a group go to “redcross.org/babysitting”. Or call 1-513-426-1641 and speak with Mark Jones about the class.

First Group 2x2
First Group 2x2
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