Has your tween been begging to babysit? Or maybe they’re just begging for a way to earn their own money.
Babysitting is still a classic first job for tweens and teens — but it’s not for everyone. So… how do you know if they’re really ready?
🎉 Heads up — the brand-new 👜Booked & Busy: Babysitter Kit has dropped! (8/2025) It’s packed with everything your tween or teen needs to get started with confidence. Think checklists, forms, tips, and more. This kit is going to make babysitting way easier for both of you.
If you already know your answer is “YES!” — you’ll definitely want to grab the kit. But if you’re still on the fence, let’s talk through some things to look for in your teen.
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🗓️ Are They Old Enough to Babysit?
Age alone doesn’t guarantee readiness, but it’s a starting point.
- Some states have legal minimum ages for leaving kids home alone. Check your state’s rules before saying yes.
- Even if your state doesn’t set a legal age, maturity matters more than the number on their birthday cake.
🧠 Can They Handle Responsibility?
Babysitting isn’t just “playing with kids.” It means:
- Being in charge without being bossy
- Making good choices — even when kids try to talk them into breaking the rules
- Following directions (even when the parents aren’t watching)
A quick way to test this? Let them help with younger kids at a birthday party, family get-together, or community event. You’ll see how they handle it in real time.
🏠 Are They Comfortable in Different Homes?
Not every kid feels at ease in someone else’s house.
- Will being in charge somewhere unfamiliar make them nervous?
- Have they been home alone before — during the day, and at night?
- Do they have access to a phone in case they need you?
⚡ Can They Make Quick Decisions?
Picture this:
The baby’s crying, the toddler just spilled juice on the carpet, the phone is ringing, and someone’s at the door. Can they:
- Stay calm
- Decide what’s most urgent
- Act quickly without panicking
🚨 Do They Know What to Do in an Emergency?
Different emergencies require different responses.
- Do they know when to call 911?
- Can they remember not to open the door to strangers?
- Do they know when to get out of the house first, then call?
If you’re unsure, this is where training can help — a Babysitter Course, First Aid, or CPR class (often through the Red Cross) can give them confidence and you peace of mind.
😌 How Do They Handle Stress?
Babysitting will involve meltdowns, sibling squabbles, and kids who refuse to follow directions.
- Do they stay patient under pressure?
- Can they focus on multiple things at once?
- Would they do better starting with just one child instead of three?
🧒 Do They Have Actual Kid Experience?
Younger siblings count — sort of. Babysitting in a different house with different rules is a whole new game.
- Have they ever watched their siblings alone for more than a few minutes?
- Have they cared for kids who aren’t family?
If not, starting as a mother’s helper can be a great way to test the waters. They’ll help a busy parent while you’re still in the house — perfect for gaining experience without full responsibility.
💬 Do They Want to Babysit?
Not every tween or teen likes little kids. And that’s okay.
- Do they genuinely enjoy being around younger children?
- Or are they only in it for the cash?
If they want to work but babysitting isn’t their thing, there are plenty of other ways for tweens and teens to make money.
✅So… Are They Ready?
If you’ve read through this and think your tween might be ready, here’s your next step:
Check out our brand-new 👜Booked & Busy: Babysitter Kit — hitting The Shoppe August 2025.
It’s got:
👜 20+ printable pages in a clean, tween-and-teen-approved design
📁 Teen/parent guide that takes you through setting it up and growing your biz
🎯 Ideal for ages 10+
💡 Instant download — get started today
💌 Optional email series to support budding entrepreneurs
It’s basically the shortcut to turning “I want to babysit” into “I’ve got this.”
Not ready for the whole kit? Grab a free babysitting flyer here.