Would you let a 12-year-old watch his siblings alone?

My oldest nephew is 12 (he'll be 13 in December). He has two younger brothers, ages 4 and 7. I watch them all on a regular basis, but there are times when either a work conflict or an appointment gets in the way and I can't.

I just found out that, when I'm unable to watch them, their mother has the 12-year-old watch the little ones on his own.

Now, he's a good kid. He's responsible and smart. But he also has the maturity of a 12-year-old boy! I don't think he'd let the house catch on fire or anything, but I worry because he would have no idea what to do with either of his brothers were choking, or hit their heads, etc.

These don't appear to be short times he is watching them either. When he told me about it yesterday, he said he had watched them from 6am to 2pm the week before. copyright pregnancy question and answers,Other-Business&Finance

That just seems crazy to me, but maybe this is the norm now? I was a latch-key kid at 12; I watched myself for several hours after school until mom got off work. But I wasn't in charge of anyone other than myself.

I dunno....what's your opinion?

Well i have a 12 year old brother who is barely allowed to be home alone himself, he is super sneaky. AND i have a 12 year old sister in law, who i have left my 1 year old alone with for a few hours, she can also cook a full meal for her family of 7 when her mom is at work and she is home with her older brother. All kids are different. I have left my 12 year old brother with my son for half an hour while i ran to the store, but i sat him down with something to do and told him to stay there and just play with what i gave them.

It really depends on the kids. I could see the son being mature enough to watch them, The only problem i imagine would happen is roughhousing, and the little one getting hurt, or doing something dangerous. But it depends on their upbringing.

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8 hours is a VERY long time though.

Yes. I did it at 12 and younger with my sis who is 7 years younger than me. As an adult though, I know it is so easy to think about all the what if's? I think he can handle it though. If not, he should know moms work #. If I were this mom, I'd check in a couple of times to see how it's going as well.

I have a 12yo who is very mature and I still would leave her in charge of the younger ones for long periods of time......no more than an hour.

12 is old enough

Only if you think he is mature enough

if your worried you should hire a babysitter or at least wait till hes 14-15

No I would not, it is too much of a risk. Even if he does seem kind and trustworthy, boys will be boys and children will be children. You're not being paranoid, you just don't want to risk the welfare of your children especially since they are still far too young. Plus, the dangers inside the house aren't the only things to consider, what about pedophiles, kidnappers and others that may mean them harm? How will they defend themselves from these people? Children are quite gullible so they may fall easily into their traps. Seriously, I would never leave them alone until they are with an adult I can truly trust.

My cousin is 12 and my Aunt let he watch the kids gradually , now hes watch them all the time my little cousins are 8 and 5 the little ones should feel comfortable to tell you if something is wrong. It made my cousin more mature. But also , don't abuse babysitting either , because when I was young I felt like watching my little brother restricted me from being a kid and hanging out with my friends when I wanted to. Also do not forget to call and check on them and see progress, and have a list of emergency numbers. Im pretty sure everything will be fine.

experience

I think a 12-year old boy can watch his siblings because their fairly grown up, but not for a long period of time though. But, I don't think 6am-2pm is a bad idea because their going to be sleeping most of the time right? Unless they are awake at 6 then that a bad idea. And it also depends on his level if maturity and responsibility. If he's like another 2 year old then I wouldn't have him babysitting, AT ALL. Just my opinion, hope this was helpful.