11 year old son babysitting 5 and 2 year old siblings home alone while mom works

[LdiJ]

I realize this was two generations ago, but I was babysitting my siblings, who would have been 5, 6 and 7, when I was 11.

I was too, but mine were 9, 7 and 4. I also occasionally babysat the next door neighbor's infant at 11 as well.

 

[LdiJ]

Being responsible for a 2 yo all day certainly is for even an older CHILD. While the 11 might be able to handle a 5 yo for an extended period of time, I ( as having mothered 4 - 3 of whom were extremely responsible for their age) would prefer to see the 2 yo with an adult

What any of us prefer is basically irrelevant. What is relevant is what the law allows and/or what a judge feels is appropriate under the circumstances.

 

[LdiJ]

I realize this was two generations ago, but I was babysitting my siblings, who would have been 5, 6 and 7, when I was 11.

I babysat my own three siblings at the same age, and occasionally babysat the next door neighbor's infant.