What are you doing for childcare in year 7?

[TaptheCap]

Off the back of another thread...

Lots of people on thread saying they wouldn't leave kids under 13 alone all day (like a working day). So what do in the holiday?

Obviously if you work from home this isn't an issue! But we'll have at least 2 days a week where we are both needed in the office. Holiday clubs are for primary age only.

AIBU to think it's a difficult age?

My youngest is yr 8 but sometimes does holiday clubs connected to his hobbies.

I couldn’t find anything suitable for him this two week half term so I’ve taken a week of parental leave on top of my annual leave.

He has ADHD though and it just wouldn’t work to have him bouncing about the place all week, and he’s not mature enough to make his own plans all week. He does have friends he gets together/ goes to their houses with but that won’t cover the whole time sensibly.

I don’t have any regrets about this having working full time the whole of my kids’ lives! (I used to be self employed until 2017 though so did take more than the standard 25-30 days off in the holidays then)

Majority round here went up to age 12, but once in year 7 it was easier to make arrangements to drop off with a friend and then reciprocate. This worked quite well. With summer hols there were more options. A fortnight for family holiday, a 1/2 day sports club, holiday orchestra, visit to family away or locally based grandparents and more visits to friends

This could be a great wee job for someone like me! Retired nurse, previously mothers help/au pair, now a couple of years short of my pension. Some mobility problems so babies (over about 6 months) and toddlers/younger children are a no go.

I’ve often thought I would be perfect for new parents mothers, struggling to get some sleep as I could do 4-6 hours day or night just holding baby and feeding/changing as required. This could be a new opening. Tweens who just need someone there. I excel at building Lego and love any sort of building or construction. With three boys I’ve done it all. I can drive so supervised swimmimg (I’m a great swimmer) or park with a friend could be offered. I’m not much of a cook but basic meals could be provided!

Perhaps you could find a local granny!

It is a difficult age. But 2 days a week is ok I think, I just wouldn’t want my year 7 DD alone for the whole holiday.
Other ideas would be arranging something with a friend so they go to their house one day and the friend comes to you on a day you’re home?
Or going to a relative at least for part of the day? Maybe an older teen cousin or something you could pay to spend the day hanging out?