Who's Easier to Mind: under 5s or over 8s?

VINASOL · 09-07-2010, 08:07 AM

having a bad day today

and just wondered if CMs thought if it was easier looking after the younger ones or the older ones?

What do you think?

**RedDragon** · 09-07-2010, 08:11 AM

I think the older ones are easier. I struggle with the 2-4 years old range.

**Ali56** · 09-07-2010, 08:25 AM

I love them all! The over 8's are fab at entertaining themselves tho- I have a great bunch, all friends for ages and it doesn't matter what toys/activities i offer they mostly turn them down in favour of their own make believe games!
Love the under 5's to because they keep me busy! lol

Ali x

**Ali56** · 09-07-2010, 08:28 AM

oops-i meant to add that i hope your day improves,

i hate it when its a bad day.

Ali x

**little chickee** · 09-07-2010, 08:29 AM

I prefer the under 5's - I find school age kids can be really hard work.

My 1st afterschooler was in my sons class at school and they had known each other since playgroup so i assumed that she would just join in with him playing outside etc but no - she wanted to sit and chat with me all the time or would come in and expect me to entertain her which i found very difficult.

It meant i had my oldest 2 boys playing outside, my youngest who was about 4 and a couple of toddlers to look after and a bored 7yo girl trailing after me.

I now only mind preschoolers.

**Polly2** · 09-07-2010, 08:34 AM

Under fives for me!! they might still have a nap

**Stillgoingstrong** · 09-07-2010, 08:42 AM

I'd go for schoolies any time - sort of 4 up.

**Suzi** · 09-07-2010, 08:49 AM

I love all the age groups for different reasons, but I do particularly like the under 5s. Most of my early experience was with toddlers and pre-schoolers, so I'm still really fond of the 2-5 age group.

**ruby** · 09-07-2010, 10:30 AM

under 5 for us the older ones can be hard work sometimes

cathy

**Hebs** · 09-07-2010, 10:40 AM

under 4's or over 8/9

i think between the ages of 5 and 8 kids start to really push the boundries, more arguementitive

i have 4 kids here aged 9+ and they get along great can have a good laugh with them

**suzyblue** · 09-07-2010, 10:50 AM

My over 8s are great but then I dont have them in the holidays!

**doodles** · 09-07-2010, 11:48 AM

Under 5's deffo!! I have two 1 year olds and a 3 year old today. They have all just gone down for a nap.
My over 5 before and after schoolers are very demanding and cheeky!!!

**MissTinkerbell** · 09-07-2010, 01:26 PM

Under 5s for me too - despite having been a teacher for 12 years but then thats probably why

**sandy64** · 09-07-2010, 01:38 PM

under 5s but 2 to 5 are the easiest ive had very good older kids but also hard work ones to. thats why i only do preschool now

**moljak** · 09-07-2010, 02:55 PM

I'm an under 5 person.I like to be hands on and love the messy activities i can do with them.I feel left out when the older ones get on with things on their own lol.

**karensmart4** · 09-07-2010, 10:37 PM

Under 5's for me

**merry** · 10-07-2010, 07:13 AM

I don't find either age group harder than the other, it's when you put them together I struggle. Either all under 5's, or all schoolagers are fine, but an age group ranging from 6 months to 10 years is a real challenge.

**TammyN** · 10-07-2010, 07:57 AM

I DO LIKE A BALANCE BUT IF I HAD TO CHOOSE IT WOULD BE UNDER 5'S

**Chatterbox Childcare** · 10-07-2010, 08:14 AM

I think that they all compliment each other and have their pros and cons. After all the over 5's don't sleep during the day but they do entertain themselves!

TheBTeam · 10-07-2010, 09:52 AM

I quite like during holiday times to have over 5's, and during term time it is nice having the under 5's especially the ones that go home around school pick up time when the older ones come!