Generally speaking, children should not be left unsupervised if this places them at risk. As a result, parents may need to ask someone (like a babysitter) to look after their children when they cannot (eg because of another commitment).
Hiring a babysitter (or simply asking a friend or relative) to look after your children is a personal decision for you to make, based on your and your children’s specific circumstances. For example, you may wish to ask a babysitter to look after your children:
on a one-off basis because you have a date, are celebrating an anniversary or birthday or are attending a social event (like a wedding), and your children will not be attending
because you have a work commitment or appointment that clashes with your children's schedules and/or requires you to be away from home at odd hours
on a regular basis, if you have a standing social event or gathering (eg a weekly book club) where your children may not be entertained or it may be inappropriate for them to attend
in emergencies (eg if a family member falls ill and you need someone to look after your children while you are looking after the family member)
during the school holidays and half-term breaks
As every family situation is unique, the decision to hire a babysitter (or ask a family friend or relative to look after your children) depends on your personal preferences, needs and comfort level. However, when asking someone else to look after your children, it is important that you choose someone you trust who is capable of providing appropriate care for your children.
For more information, read Parent's rights and responsibilities and Children's rights and responsibilities.