Need Help! What do you do afterschool and over the summer with your middle school aged child?

I have a 6th grader and up until last year she was always in after school programs. Now I find myself working later hours and think she is too young to leave at home (especially when its dark out) by herself. So I am wondering what do other working parents do? Also, any ideas what to do over the summer? I usually hire a College kid for the summer but my go to person is not able to do this summer. I can't imagine camps every week (I would be broke). Just looking for some ideas that will keep my child somewhat independent but out of trouble and not a latchkey kid.

Thanks.

 

YAS?

 

Maybe a mother's helper?

 

For after school, they are home alone, but usually only about 30-45minutes. During the summer, we do summer camps although I find that at middle school age the options for camps decrease. The most economical option I've found is the Loudoun County Parks and Recreation Day camp for Middle schoolers (Camp Fest) - they have all sorts of great field trips and activities and the best schedule for working parents (i.e., ALL Day camp - 7:30am to 6pm). For more info: http://www.loudoun.gov/index.aspx?NID=1219
I usually use the Parks & Rec camp to cover most of the summer and then fill in with a few other camps of their choice, be it arts, sports, etc.

 

Have been in the same boat and found a high schooler who drives to stay with him during weeks/days that he wasn't in a camp or I was on vacation. Try reaching out to friends' kids who are interested in a part-time job to hang out with your middle schooler. Preferably the same sex as your child (if a boy, than a high school guy, etc). That way they can get rides around as needed, text and call their buddy when at the pool with friends or at their house and you can have them on-duty although may not be actually entertaining them all 8 hours. Kinda like a mother's helper I guess. One other idea would be to fill in weeks here and there when not in a camp with having them be a part of another family for the week. A mom who otherwise would be going to the library, pool, mall or running errands even would probably be happy to add one more kid to hers and get paid for the week, so long as it's just a week here and there. Best of luck.