Historical norms around childcare differ greatly from modern expectations. Previous generations allowed young children to babysit siblings and even other children, sometimes as young as 8 years old. Experiences recount starting babysitting businesses at 11 or being entrusted with infants at 12. In contrast, today's standards typically require babysitters to be older, often no younger than 15, reflecting a shift in perceptions regarding child responsibility and safety.
My parents thought nothing of going out for dinner with friends, leaving my siblings and me at home alone. My sister was 8 when she started 'babysitting' my brother (6) and me (4). We had the phone number for the restaurant, but that was about it. Today, that would be seen as neglect!
I had a full-blown babysitting business by the time I was 11. Someone left me with a 9 month old at age 12. I was left with my sister and cousins by the time I was 9 or 10.
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