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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Original poster

Just wondering if any one childminds older kids? 11 yrs plus

30 replies

MUM2BLESS · 24/10/2012 13:52

I childmind siblings, one of which started senior school in Sept.

What activities do you provide for a child that age?

I have to ensure that I keep mum informed with what takes place, some times, as they are not juniors and they are NOT adults.

What advice would you give about caring for senior age children?

I have kids at senior school but they are mine and I am usually able to monitor what they do and how they do it. I like to give them space yet not let them do whatever they feel like doing.

Thanks

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bbcessex · 28/10/2012 21:35

Interesting thread.. now my eldest is 12, this is actually one of the reasons why I have an after school nanny rather than a childminder..

I want him to have some independance / the ability to go out with friends for a while etc, and I think that a childminder would (understandably) not be able to provide the right setting for that.. although - older children have a considerable amount of homework that needs to be done - I don't think I would want to put that pressure on a CM.

MUM2BLESS.. why would you not allow a nearly teenage child to use an electronic game?

Original poster
MUM2BLESS · 27/10/2012 19:48

Me again. Does anyone allow the older children under eletronic games etc. I do not and do not intend to do that whilst cm.

OP posts:
Original poster
MUM2BLESS · 27/10/2012 19:46

Thanks for your reply.

I know I am not mum to the kids I mind but my motherly bit does still operate with the senior school one.

I know the challenges parents often face when their goes to senior school. I do feel a bit responsible as the parents are not their to see what their child is doing. ie bringing sweets and fizzy drinks into the setting etc.

OP posts:
lechatnoir · 26/10/2012 20:52

I have 10.5 year old twins come before & after school 3 days a week and they occasionally like doing craft stuff (soap/bracelet/picture/gift making) or help cooking tea (taught them how to make pizza a while back & bar some quiet supervision they can now rustle up a mean Margarita Wink) but mainly they regress and goof around with the younger ones playing games like 'it', hide & seek or mother any babies I have. They're lovely and the ones my own DC miss the most at the weekend Grin

surfandturf · 26/10/2012 20:22

I have a 12 year old girl during the week and to be honest she's such a good help with the little ones. In some ways she wants to be included as a child and join in with their activities but in other ways she likes to be older and use 'proper' crockery instead of plastic plates and cups like every one else. I also occasionally have 2 boys at the weekend and they mainly just like to play on their lap tops. Mum is fine about this as long as all homework has been completed first.