Babysitting: How old is old enough?

I babysat my brother when I was 12 and cooked dinner and cleaned the house. Some people think this is too young to babysit now. What do you think? How old is old enough to babysit?

I stayed home at an early age alone and cooking and watching my brother. Times are VERY different now! Personally I dont think 12 is old enough to be home alone.

Alot also depends on the maturity of the 12 yo. I have seen some act more mature then adults and some that act like they are 2

What if they are almost 13 and the neighbor knows they are alone and is there if needed? What does the law say about age of leaving children alone?

got this off the OEYC

Children aged 10 to 11 years old may be occasionally left alone at home for up to 1 - 2 hours provided they have no fear or anxiety staying home alone and the child's level of maturity matches this arrangement. Children in this age group should not be home alone for any period of time during overnight hours or be expected to take care of younger siblings or friends. To ensure a child's safety, parents should teach them general safety rules (for example, who to contact in an emergency, how to use the telephone, how to react in case of fire, etc.).

Children 12 and older should not be left alone overnight. Children in this age group are often able to babysit younger children. They should be able to demonstrate that they can follow safety rules. A babysitting certificate is a great idea to help learn basic health & safety procedures. A 12 or 13 year old babysitter should not be left in charge of more than 2 children; should not be responsible for cooking; supervising swimming of, or the bathing of, children. It is generally recommended that they do not babysit for periods longer than 4 hours per day.

CAS info

http://www.torontocas.ca/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/homealoneforweb.pdf

The rules aren't the same as when "we were young."

Its good that they taught first aid, CPR, fun activities (instead of sitting in front of a TV). My niece took this course and she does very well with kids.

That being said, there are some adults that I wouldn't trust my dog with (part time or full time).

As for CAS and their rules its BS!! I knew of a family that left their young (pre-teen) kids alone at night as they worked shift work (lived in the country with no phone). When I asked if this was acceptable, I was told that I needed to keep an eye out and make sure they were safe.

Yeah as if!! Get off your overpaid butts and investigate.

I was about 12-13 when I started too babysit, But I also knew how too cook,clean and do lundry, My mom got in a bad car accdent and I had too lurn how too take over a hole house in a short amount of time, I have 2 little guy's and for me I wouldent really want anyone under 15-16 too watch them, But that's me and Im abit over protective of them becuse of my childhood.

~Ruth