I can remember times when I couldn't go out with friends because my mom needed me to watch my siblings. And at the time I can remember fuming and muttering "I ain't have these damn kids. She shouldn't have had them if she wanted to go somewhere."

I mean, I guess every once in awhile is cool. But I've heard lots of stories about how kids had to run the household while their mother (or father) worked two to three jobs, etc. Some of them pretty much had to grow up before their time and were even robbed of their own childhood due to having to take on an adult role.

My oldest sister watched us when my ma had to work late.

My younger brother is 7 years younger than me, I really don't remember that many times when I was asked to watch him.

I guess it's ok, if it's not too often.

Within reasonable limits. The older ones should help watch them but not end up taking on the role of parent. There needs to be some boundaries & limitations.

I think family should always be willing to help out family, but at the same time, I can appreciate a teenager not always wanting to be stuck with the responsibility of sitting with a younger sibling; especially at the expense of doing something else in particular. I do think that parents should be willing to make arrangements to have someone else sit with the younger ones from time to time.

Yes they should. When it comes to family everyone should pitch in and help out. I don't mean it should become a full time occupation but whenever necessary and no other arrangements can be made then older siblings should do it. Mine had to do it for me since I was the youngest.