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What age group?, Choosing an age group to work with?

TheUlmers May 28 2006, 08:10 PM Post #1

Hello all. We are seeking a house parent position. I (husband) am 25 and my wife is 22. We have been married almost 2yrs. We have a passion for children and really feel led by God to minister to them and doors have began to open in the houseparent life. We went on our 1st visit to a home on Saturday it was a great time. Not sure if it is the place for us yet, not a sure yes but not a definite no. We though were wondering with our age do you think it would be best to work with younger kids say 10 and under or with older or with a mix? Are the older kids not going to view us as parental role models b/c the closeness in age or will they like it b/c we are closer in age. Please help us with just some basic questions and if there is any one of you that would let us personally e-mail you with questions as well it would be great. Definetly we want to be in this life!

Thanks so much!!

Josh

putkidsfirst May 28 2006, 11:00 PM Post #2


My wife and I began working with girls ages 13-19 when we were 23 and it was GREAT! Our co-workers believed the girls only listened to us because they saw us as "buddies" but in my opinion that was envy talking. Our girls respected and listened to us, and we followed and enforced the rules.

Your attitude is going to help you more than anything. If you show the kids that they mean so much to you that will go a long, long way. Too many adults make kids feel like they are an inconvenience to them and that the kids had better appreciate all they do for them. Kids are smart and can spot this ten miles away.

What age group feels good to you? Don't let the opinions of others dampen your zeal, go to the age group that YOU feel you would work best with. Many will tell you that teens won't do good with you because of your age, but I am living proof that isn't always true.

sandylegsntoes Jun 1 2006, 04:50 PM Post #3


Hubby and I have worked with newborns to 11s yr old, coed. Currently we work with teenagers, coed.

It's our opinion based on actually doing it that the little kids are 'easier' in many ways.
It's physically challenging due to having to chase, bathe, feed, dress and play with the little kids. When a five year old throws a tantrum there is the time-out chair. Little kids go to bed earlier than older ones.

With teenagers, it's more mental. Mental, emotional, mental, emotional. (Oh, have they disarmed the alarms tonight and are they climbing out the windows) LOL, see whatimean.

If you find a position where you can respite between the little kids and the teenagers you can have the best of both worlds.

Lady Incredible Jun 4 2006, 01:56 PM Post #4


Hubby and I have worked with newborns to age 17 and I agree with the above post that with teenagers it's more mentally challenging. But for me I prefer to work with the teenagers.

putkidsfirst Jun 4 2006, 03:22 PM Post #5


I would assume that most HP's the choose to work with teens like the mental challange. Smaller ones are mentally challanging as well, but they are far more physically challanging as you literally have to chase them around at times.
 

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