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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To let my daughter homeschool my younger daughter?

127 replies

dancemummy7 · 04/05/2020 08:35

I am a key worker, so I am still going to work on weekdays. However, I made the decision to not send my kids to school as my dd has a compromised immune system and I don't want to risk it if its un-necessary. My 15 year old has now left school and is no longer receiving work from her school, and I know if i didn't give her something to do, she wouldn't do anything. Therefore, I made the decision to allow my 15 year old to homeschool my 5 year old, as they don't really learn that much in reception that my daughter wouldn't be able to handle. Everyday, my daughter sends me pictures of them baking, painting, doing ‘pe’ etc, and I love the fact they have this time to bond (to be fair, shes doing a better job than I would haveGrin) My neighbour’s think a 15 year old is incapable of teaching a younger child? Is anyone else doing this? Surely, as-long as they’re staying out of trouble and being creative they should be fine?

OP posts:
DorotheaHomeAlone · 04/05/2020 08:39

Sounds great to me. She’s probably giving it more time and enthusiasm than many parents who also have to juggle wfh or siblings. Are you in the house though or is your 15yo responsible for her sister all day? That would be a lot to ask at this age. Also, I hope you’re rewarding her for this in some way. She’s making a huge contribution to the household and that should be recognised and rewarded.

SailingAwayIntoSunrise · 04/05/2020 08:41

As what Dorothy said.

I'm confused though, is your 15 yo no longer in formal education or just due to C19?

PineappleDanish · 04/05/2020 08:42

Personally I don't believe that the aim of this period is to provide 5 hours of solid education per day. Sounds like your teen is doing a fab job. I have a child of the same age and she has been doing lots with her younger sibling too, helping with reading, correcting spelling, helping with ideas for a project he's doing.

PaulTheWineGuyPaul · 04/05/2020 08:43

My eldest DD is 2.5 years older than DD2. She’s been teaching her things since the youngest could talk. She taught her to count, colours, weather etc. She now teaches maths to her cousin who is five years younger than her as he struggles at school. She plans lessons and everything. DD1 is year six.

Of course your 15 year old can teach your five year old. I think it’s lovely.

RosesandIris · 04/05/2020 08:45

Why isn’t your 15 year old receiving work from school? She isn’t legally allowed to leave yet. I think it’s a great idea in moderation but not all day. I have two nieces. 15 and 7. The older one has work set for her which she has to complete online. She doesn’t have time to school her sister.. My sister is working with the younger one and trying to wfh at the same time.

Original poster
dancemummy7 · 04/05/2020 08:45

She isn’t in the house alone with her, as my husband is working night shifts so is asleep upstairs until around 1pm, so she’s only really looking after her sister from 9-1, and she’s told me she doesn't mind doing it. Ive been giving her some rewards for this yes. I personally don’t see the problem but I thought i’d get some other opinions on the matter.

OP posts:
RosesandIris · 04/05/2020 08:46

I think that’s okay then, but what about your 15 year olds education?

Original poster
dancemummy7 · 04/05/2020 08:46

My 15 year old was in year 11 and as the exams have now been cancelled shes formally out of education. I should really have added that shes 16 in a week as that’s probably a big factor.

OP posts:
MaeDanvers · 04/05/2020 08:46

I think that's totally fine! Your elder daughter sounds like she's enjoying it so why not?

I guess, just keep checking in with her to make sure she remains happy and is having plenty of time for her own interests etc.

RosesandIris · 04/05/2020 08:47

Ah okay.

altiara · 04/05/2020 08:48

What your neighbour thinks is irrelevant. Not all 15 year old are the same!
Sounds great to me.

Nanny0gg · 04/05/2020 08:48

Its lovely they have the kind of relationship to do that.

Original poster
dancemummy7 · 04/05/2020 08:48

Thanks everyone x

OP posts:
AndMyHairWillShineLikeTheSea · 04/05/2020 08:49

I don't understand how your 15 yo has left school, in Scotland 16 is the earliest someone can leave and I know it's older in other parts of the UK.

Other than that, I think this is a great idea. I'm assuming you get 5yo ready in the morning and 15yo doesn't have responsibility for breakfast, teeth brushing etc too for the 5yo.

Butterbeaninjeans · 04/05/2020 08:49

I'm in exactly the same position and that's what I'm doing. 15 year old is starting to get some higher work now though. Payment has been Disney plus 😁

musicposy · 04/05/2020 08:49

Sounds great. Ignore your neighbour!

Nottherealslimshady · 04/05/2020 08:49

Sounds lovely, dont see the problem.

Crocky · 04/05/2020 08:49

If they are both enjoying it I think it’s a lovely idea.

AndMyHairWillShineLikeTheSea · 04/05/2020 08:50

Cross post with you about exams.

CuckooCuckooClock · 04/05/2020 08:51

Sounds fine to me. A lovely arrangement so long as the 15 yo is happy.
I got my 9yo to teach my 6yo how to tell the time. They enjoyed it.

greenlynx · 04/05/2020 08:51

So as you are a key worker your DC can go to school but you’ve decided to keep them at home. Your 15 y.o is looking after 5 y.o. They are doing different fun things and both fine. Your neighbor is surprised that your 15 y.o is looking after her 5 y.o sister full time. Is it so?

GreenGill · 04/05/2020 08:53

It sounds amazing! They will have such a lovely close bond!
5 year olds don't really learn that much in reception / F2. Get some of the phonics YouTube videos on for her and maybe doing some letters and numbers at the weekend or evening with you and the rest is fab!

noavailablename · 04/05/2020 08:55

I think it is fine. Lovely for the two of them to have some quality time together. My own DC did some tutoring after GCSEs and were very good at it. Young children often really enjoy that kind of help from older ones.

greenlynx · 04/05/2020 08:55

Just saw your updates, sounds absolutely fine for me. Your DD probably found her future calling.

purpleheathers · 04/05/2020 08:57

Why not, it all helps.