CHILDCARE FOR TEENS??

[mcmediagirl]

Hi there, I am confused about what would be best as I may be taking work till late in the evenings at times and I am unsure which way to go with this.....my eldest is 15 and whilst theyu are both responsible children still need supervision without the nannying effect...if you get me... I dont have family support anymore as i moved to study but have also moved my children with me...... I have thought au pair or mothers help but its all too confusing...im not sure where to start .....any advice would be great...jo

Maybe you could have a nice cleaner / housekeeper person in the house at the same time the kids are home and ask them to make the dinner, but otherwise just be a sensible person around the home?

Difficult one. A cleaner or housekeeper would not and could not be held responsible for the care of your children - if that was not in their job description. So if 'something' happened that person would have no responsibility.

Many childminders babysit in the childs home.
The regulations are a lot more relaxed but at the same time you have a professional carer - and if its an NCMA minder - proviidng they use NCMA documentation they are covered by insurance etc. Not sure about minders covered by different insurance - but again a registered minder is a professional.

Depends on what level of supervision you are wanting for your kids.

they have got to learn at some point to be responsible for themselves and you have to learn to trust what you have taught them and trust them!

don't think you need to have a registered childminder for this age group - Have you thought about a university student?
THis may be less like having a nanny more like an older brother or sister looking out for them- they could be on hand to help with Homework, prepare simple meals, play on the wii with them etc...

Was going to say the same as Supersewer. It's great as uni students can also be a role model - tell them how good uni is and encourage them to do their homework.

If the student comes and sits and does his/her own HW, is willing to make a meal for them and you when you come home, it's a win-win situation, imo.

Good luck!

If your child can't be allowed to be on his own at 15, when can he be allowed to stay on his own? He can legally have sex and get married next year!

When do you intend that he is responsible for himself?

I used to be babysitting at 15, went to France on my own on train and boat at this age. I wouldn't have taken kindly to having a babysitter.

thanks for all of your responses, I forgot to mention my youngest has recently turned 12. the issue I have is that because they are brother and sister, naturally they tend to argue and sometimes my daughter lashes out. whilst I was childminding when I was 15 onwards I am concerned as to what I may come home to.....its not a case of mollycoddling and I do respect my son as far as him being a responsible young adult but my daughter is still only 12, which is my main reason for enquiring.

I'm in the same boat, and as a single parent its really hard to avoid leaving them both together occasionally.

Can your 12 year old go to after school activities? Not necessarily a childcare club but perhaps sports or other interests? Or if you are not working a 5 day week, can she have friends round when you are home and go to a friends when you are working?

I think at this age, they are not likely to want a babysitter or childminder arrangement but do need to develop independence and build trust with you as they become more responsible. Where possible, I take one with me or send one out to a friends to avoid leaving my teenagers both together. (inviting their friends round frequently when I am there, so its not one-sided).

A 15 year old is way too old for an au pair. An evening cleaner/housekeeper, as sequins suggested, is the way to go.

what area are you in there maybe someone here who would be happy to do this

If your local university runs Education degrees, you may be able to advertise there for a student to do some after school 'care' as it were. They can help with some school work, feed them, etc. It would give them good exposure to the age group they would be working with later, as well.