Young People as Caregivers

We know that family members play a crucial role in the early care and education of young children. Typically, we think of these family members as adults such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, close friends etc. We often overlook the role that older siblings or teen relatives may have in the early care and education field.

This type of child care has been happening for decades and yet it is not recognized as a viable option for parents of young children. There may be good reasons for this, however, in light of the current lack of affordable child care options for parents of young children it is time to recognize and support the important role of our young people in the field of care and education.

Here are some benefits that often get overlooked:

1.     Supervision: Young people often are tasked with  supervising younger children, which can be particularly helpful for parents who have a hard time finding or affording more formal child care. This may include supervising children while parents are at work, running errands, or attending appointments.

2. Cost: Hiring a young person can be more affordable than hiring an experienced adult caregiver, making it a more viable option for families with limited financial resources. In fact, in many families teens do not get paid anything to care for their younger siblings, it is simply part of their family responsibilities.

3. Flexibility: Youth caregivers may be more willing to work odd hours or short shifts, this makes them a good choice for families with busy schedules and last minute needs.

4. Opportunity for young people to learn: Caring for young children can be an enriching experience for young people. It can provide them with valuable life skills, such as responsibility, time management and patience.

5. Tutoring: Young people who excel in certain academic subjects often assist younger children with homework or provide tutoring services. This can be a great way for teens to share their knowledge and help younger children develop their academic skills. A benefit for the teen caregiver is that it reinforces their own learning as they are imparting the knowledge in the young learner.

6. Play and engagement: Young people can engage in age-appropriate play and activities with younger children, such as reading books, playing games, or participating in arts and crafts. This can help to develop the child's social and emotional skills and provide opportunities for positive interactions.

7.     Stability and consistency: Young people can help provide a stable and consistent environment for children, which is essential for their overall well-being and development. Children who have consistent caregivers are more likely to form secure attachments and develop a sense of trust and safety. Since young people are often family members the relationships they build with our young children will last a lifetime, which is much better than the constant turnover young children can experience in more formal child care settings.

8.     Previously established relationship: Older siblings or teen family members already have an established relationship with the young children they are caring for, they know them well. They generally know naptime routines, what foods they like, what they are allergic to, etc. This is especially true with teens who care for younger siblings with a disability – they know the nuances of their siblings situation (what triggers them, what environments they thrive in, etc.), and this can make it an easier transition for parents and the child.

9.     Cultural and familial values: Young people can also transmit cultural and familial values to young children. For first generation immigrant families there often exists a real tension between upholding cultural values while trying to assimilate. The ability to have an older youth be a receptacle of a family’s culture can be the bridge needed to foster a sense of identity and belonging, which is critical for young children's social and emotional development. This will also lead to an overall stronger mental health outcome for families.

It is important to note that while young people can provide valuable assistance with child care, we want to safeguard them from missing out on their own education and activities. Young people still need to have the time and energy to attend class and do homework. It is healthy for them to have peer relationships and continue to grow and learn into adulthood.

We also want to provide adequate training and supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of young children. Teens who provide child care should be mature, responsible, and have appropriate knowledge and skills to care for children, without these there is the potential for problems with discipline, boundary setting and emotional regulation. We must ensure that young people have a basic knowledge of child development, CPR and first aid certification. It is crucial that adults help young people come up with a plan in case an emergency arises. Many high schools offer child development courses as an elective and often organizations offer simple babysitting courses to help get young people started.

Having older siblings and teen relatives caring for young children can provide many benefits to families, such as affordability and flexibility, however, it is important to consider the potential risks and make informed decisions about who will care for your children. Proper training, supervision, and support can help mitigate some of the risks associated with youth caregivers.

It is time to recognize the important contribution that our young people have on the early childhood field and supporting families.  If you know of a young person who cares for our littlest children be sure to thank them and let them know their work is important and necessary.

For more information on this and other topics check out our website .