Finnish Mother Hires Teenagers to Supervise Children During Summer Break

Laura Hyvärinen, a mother from Liperi, Finland, has devised a creative solution to the perennial challenge of organizing children's summer breaks. With school holidays often exceeding parents' vacation time, Hyvärinen has opted to hire young people to help care for her two elementary school-aged children.

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We have been very satisfied with the arrangement.

These hired youths, funded through a municipal summer job voucher program, spend four to five hours a day with the children. Their responsibilities include providing companionship, playing games, going swimming, and assisting with light household tasks. Hyvärinen emphasizes that the young workers act more like older siblings than traditional babysitters, and the children eagerly anticipate their arrival each morning.

This arrangement has been highly successful for the Hyvärinen family for the past four years. It allows both parents to take their summer vacation together in July. Hyvärinen also intentionally hires different young people each year to offer work experience to as many teenagers as possible. She finds candidates through local Facebook groups and personal connections, noting a strong response with many qualified applicants.

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The young people are more like older siblings to the children than caregivers. They are awaited at the door in the mornings.

Hyvärinen pays the young workers seven euros per hour, with the municipality covering the cost of the 150-euro summer job voucher. She also provides meals and sees the role as an opportunity to teach valuable work-life skills. "We are the first employer for many," she stated, aiming to provide a positive introduction to the world of work. The young workers also help with light chores, and screen time is prohibited during their shifts, ensuring active engagement with the children.

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We are the first employer for many.