To use a childminder for year 7 DS?

[smithys]

DS is just 11 and about to go into year 7.

Much to his chagrin, I've kept the childminder contract running and he will need to go there after school but feeling worried I should be trusting DS more. He can be brilliantly behaved, but he does have a diagnosis of ADHD and ODD and definitely isn't always well behaved (his main issue is arguing/being confrontational with others).

He's the only kid I know who's going to have a childminder in year 7, but other families I know either have a part time parent or a SAHM.

School finishes at 3.10, he could be home by 3.15 as we're close by. I don't get home until 5.45 and I felt it was too long on his own at the moment. AIBU?

You know your child best. Go with your gut.

You are in the best position to decide and if he isn’t ready then don’t risk it. His safety and peace of mind ate paramount.
We have friends that still au pairs and nannies through to year 9. It is not unusual in our circles. Not all children are ready to be left every night particularly in the winter.

Next year start a phased and gradual trial and take your time, he has his whole life to be independent.

As DH puts it, DD isn't "house trained" enough yet Goldenbear! She'll be walking home on her own this year, but one of us will be in.

Actually, I am anxious about my son walking on his own as he is a daydreamer and this is the first time he has walked home from school on his own. Previously, we lived 2 miles away from primary school and I wasn't happy for him to walk on his own for most of that in year 6. I retract that comment about questioning whether 11 is young as it is really- my son still gets scared on his own but won't admit it, he's likely to be fine in the house in September/October but I hope he doesn't get scared as the darker nights draw in.

My ds went to the CMer when he moved to Yr7.
Only until October 1/2 term.
I just felt that there were so many differences for him to get his head round, and he has always struggled with organisation, so it was just one less thing to worry about. It was fine.
After all, if he is embarrassed, he doesn't need to tell anyone does he?

He did settle really quickly though, and didn't need the CMer after that, but it was just one less thing to worry about in the first few weeks.

As others suggest, you could perhaps make it 4 days a week or even three and he can prove to you he can cope and be sensible.