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I think there was break in between, that's why they extended the after school and before school child care- that is NOT been around always. I think with more of the college push teens have been working more on the extra activities to make it, than watching kids. I know less and less babysitters- I think maybe that has stayed in smaller towns and no longer in the city? I do not know,,, Do not think anyone trust anyone anymore. But for those who cannot afford the after school care- the older siblings are carrying the load-not sure gives them the same choice to succeed. My sister n brother went to college- I ran the house, and got out soon as I could. Again what was- and now what is. Think the new teens raising kids now days a good thing?
I am not seeing teens raising kids from what you have posted. I am seeing older siblings pitching in to help with their younger brothers and sisters while the parents work. That's a concept as old as time, and less common than in the past. Does it cut down on the activities the older ones can participate in? Yes. Should that keep them from furthering their education? No. Your situation is not the norm.
I think there was break in between, that's why they extended the after school and before school child care- that is NOT been around always. I think with more of the college push teens have been working more on the extra activities to make it, than watching kids. I know less and less babysitters- I think maybe that has stayed in smaller towns and no longer in the city? I do not know,,, Do not think anyone trust anyone anymore. But for those who cannot afford the after school care- the older siblings are carrying the load-not sure gives them the same choice to succeed. My sister n brother went to college- I ran the house, and got out soon as I could. Again what was- and now what is. Think the new teens raising kids now days a good thing?
I am going to have to question whether or not teens are really "raising" younger siblings all that often. Starting when I was about 11, I was in charge of my younger sister after school. Never have I felt like I "raised" her. Nor do I feel like day care providers "raise" kids when parents work. There is a lot that goes into raising kids. Supervising them for a few hours at a time is not "raising" them.
Helping out with siblings is not raising siblings. My husband was literally raised by his sisters since his mom didn't want to raise him when he was born. There was never a second thought from his sisters about changing their lives in order to raise him (they are from a very extended family centered culture, though), and, yes, it worked.
Nothing new, nothing to worry about. Poor teens, their lives won't be destroyed.
You sound like someone who wasn't saddled as a single-digit aged child with the massive responsibility of daily raising/teaching/feeding/protecting all your younger siblings? I'm guessing you had a genuine childhood & were allowed to play & have fun with friends on a regular basis? If so, very, very lucky you.
To the OP, I know of no teens raising siblings today. When I was a kid, child caretakers were more common, but not exclusive. In my mum's day, it was the norm because both parents had to work... at least in my family & their social circles. I'm just not seeing the OP's POV, unless you're only speaking of personal experience with those in your social circle?
You sound like someone who wasn't saddled as a single-digit aged child with the massive responsibility of daily raising/teaching/feeding/protecting all your younger siblings? I'm guessing you had a genuine childhood & were allowed to play & have fun with friends on a regular basis? If so, very, very lucky you.
To the OP, I know of no teens raising siblings today. When I was a kid, child caretakers were more common, but not exclusive. In my mum's day, it was the norm because both parents had to work... at least in my family & their social circles. I'm just not seeing the OP's POV, unless you're only speaking of personal experience with those in your social circle?
Such assumptions - I cooked since I was 10 and took care of the house n family even when my father died at 81 - I had to make the decisions- they waited on me- My mom died by 51 she was sick. SO I get doing it-
but I see maybe more bearing on the teens than before as parents are younger and in a whole different frame of mind? I don't know- but I know of 4 teens that never leave the house- have no friends and do not get involved in other activities. Maybe it has always been? As we didn't KNOW mom was sick, I resented the not being free to be a kid- and I did leave out by 17
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- I cooked since I was 10 and took care of the house n family even when my father died at 81 - I had to make the decisions- they waited on me- My mom died by 51 she was sick. SO I get doing it- 
