Are there any parents out there who feel jr. high and some high schoolers need to be watched over school breaks? Are there any caregivers that do this service and if so, how much is the cost per day or per hour? Is anyone else thinking that their tween shouldn't be home alone or am I alone? Some advice?
It seems that there is no formal service out there to take care teens/preteens after school prior to parents coming home from work. Going to a trusted adult neighbor or nearby relative is the best alternative if they are available to sit teens. YMCA's and park district programs require transportation which may be hard to attain. The VIC program in Gilbert may assist parents also, but I know is not available for high schoolers. There could be a real need for an after school teen watch program, and I'm thinking high schools really should have this available for parents for a small fee...seeing that funds will be needed by our schools. Our legislature is planning on balancing the budget at the sacrafice of public school children-as if our schools needed anything more to burden them. Sorry for the digression. I'll contact my school today to urge this suggestion. They'll probably want to survey parents first which is what I did with you all. Most of you agree that kids can get into trouble home alone. Thanks for your help and sharing your personal experiences.
I watch my niece. She could be on her own because she is a good girl. However she has been through so much in her young life she doesnt want to be by herself. I think the YMCA would be lots of fun if you didnt have anyone else to help you out.
Definitely they should be in a place where they know they are being at least checked on (in person). THere is too much temptation, otherwise. Isn't there a SAHM in the neighborhood or a grandmother that can stop in and check on them? I don't know of a place that does it.
why dont you just let them go to their friends house? i mean if you trust your teen and raised them right you shouldnt have a problem.
I dont know i'm just a 23 year old who had a very good open relationship with my mother and step father me and my step sister where allowed to stay home alone and had friends over just as long as we kept the house clean at all times..and didnt disrespect our home. i'm pretty sure your teen wouldnt want to go to no ymca i dont know like i said i'm only 23 years old i'm pretty sure alot of older moms wouldnt agree.. but i say no to no sitter for a teen.
Absolutely. I remember being a teenager and how much trouble I got into. What would be a great idea is find some where they can volunteer or keep them selves busy and help others at the same time. If the teen like playing with kids, find an at home daycare that could use an extra hand off and on, I know I'd love to have one of those around! Or maybe even some sort of camp during the day.
I don't have teens myself but I work with a group of them at my church and I think it is a good idea to have some supervision during school breaks. The only idea I have is to maybe find a neighbor or relative nearby that could use their help. Maybe someone has a baby at home and could use a helping hand during the day and would pay the teen a little money for it or someone who needs help around the house etc.. It might be a good way for them to earn a little money and keep busy during the winter break.
Good luck:)
Absolutely! Make playdates (reciprocate when you can on evenings and weekends). There are many sports and rec. programs available thru parks & Rec., library, school...word of mouth from kid's schoolmates...
In my opinion any child under the age of 13 needs a sitter. I believe this for even after school hours during school year. I will tell you why I believe this way in a story that is very sad and very true.
I have a cousin who was home alone for 1 hour between the time she got home from school and the time her Mom came home from work. One day she came home from school and sat down to do her homework at the kitchen table. She had not known that a burglar was in the house and when he found her. He hit her over the head with a cane 21 times and then slit her throat and stuffed her behind her bed. This girl was 11 years old the day she died. It was a trauma in our family that I will never forget. It happened about 12 years ago.
D. P.
you are sooo right I feel they need to be watched more now then when they are infants :) I don't know of anyone who watches I have been blessed to work the same schedule as them. I know that there is the boys and girls club but what i have always found was to find and oraganzation that they could volunteer with. Have a Blessed Christmas and New Year!
L., I SO agree with you! They can get into so much trouble as teens nowadays. Definitely have them watched! I would suggest the YM/YWCA programs. They usually have camps and classes for all ages that aren't too ridiculous. As I remember, www.azcentral.com usually does a listing of camps and such each break time--spring, summer, fall and winter. Mine have all four breaks. Good luck! I hope you find something they like to do and it's reasonable! Hugs!
Thank you for asking this question! I teach middle school and am amazed at the number of my students on their own for 3 to 4 hours every day after school. UNFORTUNATELY I have not heard of any kid services for this age besides tutoring.
I have been out of town for awhile & saw your post. Honestly kids need to be left alone for awhile. If they are still being baby sat in high school whats going to happen when they leave for college? You cant go with them and hold their hands. 8 hours a day while your at work isn't bad. Give them chores to do and get their plans for the day so you know where the are. Call to check on them but a baby sitter is a bit much.
I think it's great that you want to find something for your teens/tweens so they are not alone and left to their own devices. Check out the Parks and Recs dept in your area. They have lots of vacation programs. Set up times for them to stay at friends houses and then offer to do sleep overs on the weekend so their friends parents can get out. We are in the same boat and I really appreciate any time my teen boys have someone who can be with them. I would also look into boys and girls clubs and Girls Inc. Also I would check the local churches and see if they have any after school programs.
