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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To get my 10 year old to type my work emails

161 replies

ceicseoclaid · 17/06/2020 21:08

Not all of them. Just a few when they are short. I dictate and look over them before sending them.
I feel it helps with spelling and grammar.

I am self employed.

OP posts:
GoldenBlue · 17/06/2020 21:16

Of course not, it is an excellent learning experience.

I often have one of the children write notes for me whilst we're in the car and have had them complete simple work tasks that I think they will learn from.

I used to do filing and office paperwork for my mum from a similar age and quite enjoyed it

AskingforaBaskin · 17/06/2020 21:19

I think that's lovely. I would've felt so grown up at that age. It must be a lovely time for you both.

HavelockVetinari · 17/06/2020 21:23

It's ok I guess, but generally speaking people can type faster then speaking, no? If not then get yourself onto a typing course online (unless you have a disability preventing you from typing).

Elieza · 17/06/2020 21:45

Teach DC to touch type while you’re at it as that’s a fab skill. Takes a lot of practice but it’s so handy for anyone working on a computer.

vanillandhoney · 17/06/2020 21:48

Sounds fine - my mum used to let me practise on her typewriter when I was younger - I loved it!

rainbowunicorn · 17/06/2020 21:56

@HavelockVetinari I think you are missing the point. It is not for the Op's benefit, rather it is to give the child a learning experience that is a little bit different to the norm.

FtangFtangOleBiscuitBarrell · 17/06/2020 21:58

I think it's lovely, I'm sure he enjoys it and it's good experience!

SynchroSwimmer · 17/06/2020 22:16

Remember my friend in the school holidays tasking her 10 year old daughters with a fun project to come up with a business idea and then produce marketing leaflets etc x just for fun.

The grown up girls are now both self employed with their own businesses 😀

AuntyRigsby · 17/06/2020 22:18

I get such crap in my inbox I'm tempted to let the fucking cat type the replies Grin

IthinkIsawahairbrushbackthere · 17/06/2020 22:21

I once took my 7 year old into the office to help me produce a power point presentation because I had no idea how to do it. Now he's in in his 30's and in charge of IT in the company he works for. Excellent learning experience.

Muminho · 17/06/2020 22:22

That's a nice idea. I'm going to try that tomorrow!

AuntyRigsby · 17/06/2020 22:24

@Muminho

You're welcome - let us know how it goes.

ceicseoclaid · 17/06/2020 22:31

Thank you for the replies.

Just to be clear I can touch type so as someone else said it's not for my benefit.

I had so much work experience and chores experience when I was that age so on a personal level I am happy to allow my children to start getting used to 'grown up' jobs.

I just wanted some opinions as there are things that my DC do that other same aged children we know aren't allowed to do yet.

One example is make a cup of tea or another is doing a load of laundry.
I did it at 10 so mine do it too now.

OP posts:
Lockdownlooks · 17/06/2020 22:34

Absolutely fine as you are self employed and I’m sure you know what is or isn’t appropriate.

GigglingElephant · 17/06/2020 23:05

This, my dear, is bloody genius!

wildthingsinthenight · 17/06/2020 23:07

Great idea!

PlanDeRaccordement · 17/06/2020 23:07

I think it’s horrible. It’s child labour and morally questionable.
A 10yr old already knows how to read and write. They can learn spelling just as well reading something they enjoy. Instead of being an unpaid secretary to their mum who will be all disappointed and make them feel guilty if they don’t “help” her. You’re taking advantage of your child.

user1496146479 · 17/06/2020 23:13

@PlanDeRaccordement are you on glue?? Hmm

ceicseoclaid · 17/06/2020 23:15

@PlanDeRaccordement

I think it’s horrible. It’s child labour and morally questionable. A 10yr old already knows how to read and write. They can learn spelling just as well reading something they enjoy. Instead of being an unpaid secretary to their mum who will be all disappointed and make them feel guilty if they don’t “help” her. You’re taking advantage of your child.
He asked if he can do it.

Calm down.

OP posts:
famousforwrongreason · 17/06/2020 23:15

Do it. I gave mine some very basic office chores and we called it work experience.
I've spent a big part of my career supporting unemployed people. Any work experience from any age is going to be a valuable lesson for our kids.
Start them young in this weird hinterland.
Also good for confidence building and parent child bonding.

PlanDeRaccordement · 17/06/2020 23:15

User
No, but perhaps you might be per your screen name of “user” and fixation on mind altering substances.

YerAWizardHarry · 17/06/2020 23:17

I used to type up invoices, receipts and emails for my step-dads business around the same age, I loved the responsibility!

PlanDeRaccordement · 17/06/2020 23:17

He asked if he can do it.

I’m sure he did OP, 10yr olds are eager to please their parents, which you are taking advantage of.

Don’t ask AIBU if all you want is an echo chamber.

SquirtleSquad · 17/06/2020 23:20

@PlanDeRaccordement what in the fuck are you on about? What a vicious and just weird post.

PlanDeRaccordement · 17/06/2020 23:23

Here’s the U.K. law on using child labour to do your job/work:

“Minimum ages children can work

Part-time work
The youngest age a child can work part-time is 13, except children involved in areas like:

television
theatre
modelling
Children working in these areas will need a performance licence.”

You can’t have a child of 10 doing your work. It’s not a household chore like feeding a pet. This is your job we are talking about and the child sitting at the computer typing your work emails for you.