Just wondering if any one childminds older kids? 11 yrs plus

[MUM2BLESS]

I childmind siblings, one of which started senior school in Sept.

What activities do you provide for a child that age?

I have to ensure that I keep mum informed with what takes place, some times, as they are not juniors and they are NOT adults.

What advice would you give about caring for senior age children?

I have kids at senior school but they are mine and I am usually able to monitor what they do and how they do it. I like to give them space yet not let them do whatever they feel like doing.

Thanks

my sis uses a CM for her 14 yo

DN makes her own way to CM and reports in, and then is allowed out to a friends etc until the CM meal time of 5pm
she helps with the younger ones at the meal and then gets on with her homework -she is the only 1 there after 6pm and generally is there until 7pm
DSis likes to still use childcare as she doesn't want DN bringing friends back to an empty house every evening

I use a CM for my 11yo -she hates is
she is treated the same as all the 'babies' as she calls them
the TV is on 4.30-5.30 but is on for the younger ones and she isn't allowed to watch age appropriate programs
she's still to use plastic cups/plates etc and gets very frustrated

I don't want her coming home by herself but when she goes to HS I will have no choice as CM won't have HS pupils and I can't find a childminder who will take on a new older child

there is a real issue in this country with childcare for 9-14 yo and it makes me :(

To care for children from babyhood to teen years requires good skills especially the one treating children with 'equal concern'.....that would avoid any 11 year old feeling she is treated like a baby as mentioned above

I was visited by two past mindees this week now at college...both said they would like to come back to me during the holidays...I take that as a compliment that I did a good job?

I think if I was working full-time I would want my ds with a childminder, don't fancy him coming back to an empty house really when he starts high school next year.

At the moment I work as a school dinner lady and childminder but having had no children or enquiries for months I am considering giving up and going out to work. I am a bit scared though, not worked for anyone except myself for quite a while in a nursery setting so I need some confidence to sell myself.

Hi Mum2Bless, I have been reading this thread with interest and hope it is going ok with your older child. I agree that maybe you have been putting a little too much pressure on yourself. As far as homework is concerned I don't ever make them sit and do it but they can have a quiet space if they want to. I don't see that it is my place to 'make' them. I think it is up to the parents to discuss this with the child if they would prefer that it is done at the CM's.

With regard to electronic devices, We have a wii and plenty of family friendly games which are suitable for ALL ages and the CM kids can use this. We also have an XBox 360 but this is purely for our family use.

My own children have DS's and although these are not CM 'toys' I let my children decide if they wish to share them with the other children.

I have a small issue recently with all my school age children wanting to watch a TV show on CBBC called Wolfblood, however after watching it my DS started getting scared at bedtime so I have to explain to some of the older children that we can no longer watch it. They are all fine with this.

All tv, games etc are monitored with regards to content suitable for age and time spent on them too.

good luck

I "look after" teens that I have minded since they were 4 yrs old.

They don't particularly "do" anything they just "hang out"

They are allowed out and about if they have a mobile and strict rules (and permission from parents of course). They play on the x-box with my own children of the same age. They love helping with the younger children and some like to help cook the evening meal. One or two will do homework.

I leave it up to them really. I am simply a safe place for them to be. Even when their parents say they dont have to come here anymore they prefer to - the oldest is now 15 and still prefers to be here than home alone.