Boy as Mother's Helper

Nice move. I remember when I was little I had a boy babysitter. He was wonderful, caring, playful and responsible. It all depends on the individual - boy or girl. If he's great with the kids, then why not?

No, it's not weird. If he likes kids and is good with them, why not? Kids, especially boys, can use good male role models, the more of them the better.

No, I think it's wonderful. The boy will get a chance to earn some money while learning to be a responsible care giver and your children will learn that taking care of people isn't just for women and girls. Go for it!

Our society encourages men to take part in the parenting and nurturing. They gotta start somewhere.

I moved away 3 years ago from a neighborhood where the most sought after babysitter was a 16 yo boy. I thought it was weird until I used him one night while I had a dinner party, he watched my kids outside and I saw how much fun my kids thought he was. I saw for myself why so many in my neighborhood loved this kid. He was a good religious kid who really played well with my little ones and he even held his stance well when one of my kids started yelling and getting mean at another child. If your comfortable with it, and trust this kid and family, then I don't see why not.

Absolutely! Why not? Who better?
Our nephew is 14 and he is AWESOME with my son! And always has been.

nope. I had a boy babysitter. he helped out all the time.

No I dont think it is weird.

No...it's not weird.
You'd be surprised how much babysitting/home assisting my son does and has done for several years. He turned 16 in June.
He's incredibly responsible, great with kids, and a hard worker. He does meal prep, dishes, helps kids with their homework. He's like a big brother to the kids. But, he doesn't take any guff. He abides by the parents rules about TV, electronics, etc.
I have friends who ask to borrow him even though they have kids the same age, but their kids won't help them without whining or only doing it halfway.
He's helped landscape, paint, and clean rentals and "flip" houses. He has a very strong work ethic.
I've been a single mom my son's whole life. He cooks, cleans, knows how to sew. He's used to helping out around the house.
It's not weird to HIM at all.

If this 14 year old boy is anything like mine, you'll be teasing his parents about wanting to adopt him.
Give him a chance.
The worst thing can happen is that it doesn't work out.

Best wishes.

In my neighborhood growing up we had Bruce. He was great with us kids. He was about 16 and the rest of us were about 10 and under. He always made up great games. He was so much fun to be around. He eventually became a elementary school teacher. He was a great guy. we were all very sad when he went away to college and didn't have any more time for us because of his studies and growing up.

I would make this caution as well and that would be to make certian your kids know about good touch and bad touch. I had a cousin also 16 that used to watch us from time to time and he wasn't a safe person for little girls or boys to spend time alone with. Make certain your kids are well versed in good touch and bad touch and keep no secrets from you.

Personally, I would not choose to do this. However, I don't think it's "weird." Will you be in the home while he is there? That's the impression I get from mother's helper. If you are in the home, that is much different, then leaving the home. I would not leave my child at home alone with someone not of driving age, or CPR certified. While I'm in the home, there would be no problem.

Absolutely! I did. My son loved having an older boy to play with. Sometimes the 14 year old brought his 11 year old brother and my son and daugher loved being with them. I also used a college age boy a few times who was excellent with the kids.

Think about how much more your husband could help you out around the house and with the kids (dishes, laundry, diapers). Then picture this 14 yr old boy when he's married and what his wife would be complaining about.

By letting him help you, you are helping to mold him to be a great son, husband, and dad later on.

Lol. Not weird at all! I visited home last week for the first time, and my 8 year old cousin (boy) was SOOO good with my DD! I would totally hire him as a mothers helper in a heartbeat if we were living at home.

We have a manny. I wouldn't hesitate to have a boy mama's helper.

Not weird at all. Go for it. You know and like him. A win win situation.