Being a nanny to teenagers is quite different than watching young children. In addition to being more independent, teens typically require less constant help, direction and supervision.
YouTube
Even though YouTube is renowned for cat videos and dumb pranks, it also has a wide variety of tutorials for everyday skills. It is a good place for you to send your teens to start solving a problem because it might have a simple answer. If they can’t find a video guide on YouTube, then they should come to you for more guidance and help. YouTube is a great place to find tutorials on makeup and beauty, cooking, plumbing, changing a tire and even pest control.
Khan Academy
If your teenager is struggling with English, math or science, Khan Academy is an amazing, online educational resource that also acts as an electronic tutor. The website will definitely come in handy for teens, especially if one or more particular subjects is over their head. The free site features videos, interactive tools and more on a variety of academic subjects, including some real doozies like calculus and organic chemistry.
KidsHealth
Don’t let the name of the website lead you to think it’s only for young children. KidsHealth has a huge section devoted to teens and health issues. As you probably remember from your own experience, teens are sometimes reluctant to talk about personal issues with their parents or nannies. When you’re nannying these teens, casually mention the KidsHealth website.
Let them understand, although you’re happy to help them out with any questions or concerns, KidsHealth is a great resource they can access any time. In addition to sections on sexual health, diseases and conditions, KidsHealth also features useful articles about drugs and alcohol, balancing school, and a jobs and tips line centered on their health and well-being.
Stomp Out Bullying
If you get the sense the teens you look after are being picked on at school, you might want to see if they want to discuss the issue, as well as introduce the Stomp Out Bullying website. Like the KidsHealth website, do it casually so they don’t think or realize you are overly concerned.
Instead, simply point out you found a really interesting and helpful website devoted to eliminating bullying. The website offers a help chat line, where teens can get in touch with someone to share their story and ultimately receive help, as well as a blog and information about bullying and cyber-bullying.