Is a nearly 18yo ok to look after my PFB? WWYD?

[manandbeast]

My PFB starts reception in September and I'm looking for someone to do 2 after school pick ups for me (the other 3 days it's my mum, me, or his friend's mum for a weekly play date).

So basically I juggle a few freelance jobs, which makes organising childcare with a childminder a bit difficult because they obviously can't offer the level of flexibility I require (e.g. needing just 2 days one week, 4 days the next etc).

So I put an ad on gumtree and have seen a few local women who are nannies who can do it. I've also seen a girl who was just 17 yo (nearly 18) who also wants the job. In short, I loved the 17yo. She had bags of energy, her questions were great, she seemed very mature and brimming with personality. She knows sign language so said she'd like to teach him a little sign language etc.

Of everyone I've met so far, I liked her the best. BUT is it irresponsible to entrust my son's care to someone of under 18?

WWYD???

Where would she take him? Just home, or look after him for a bit too?

People are married with their own family at 18.

I'd base opinion on her personality and references etc rather than age.

Thanks both for replying!

She'd be picking him up from school, and crossing the road to our house! That would be it.

You're totally right, people can have their own kids at that age - I didn't think of that!

Oh and once she got to our house, she'd be looking after him until 6.30pm when I get home.

HAs she any experience of doing similar things?
Has she worked with children at all?
Is she not at school herself?
Any references for any sort of work to show reliability etc?
Has your DS met her and liked her?
If you are happy with the above, and really liked her, then why not try it for a month and see how it goes?

I have a similar situation and I have done a lot of trial runs. ..Spending time with the 18 year old and my two kids so she can chat to me and I can see what she is like with them

Remember an au pair could be that young. It's fine.

I'd opt for a trial run maybe a trip to the park all together to see how they interact with each other. If your ds likes her and feels comfortable with her and she likes him too I'd go for it, age means nothing at all if they book like each other and you've already said you feel she's sensible and mature

I guess my main question was her reliability, not because she's a teenager, but what is she doing with the rest of her time. Does she have another job, does she want one? Is this a stopgap?