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Keeping Kids Happy
Keeping Kids Happy Can be Simple
Okay, so babysitting involves a lot of rules and responsibility. Turn it into FUN for you and the children?
Because a big part of babysitting involves playing with kids and keeping them entertained. This helps both the kids in your care AND you. After all, a few hours with happy kids is a lot less work than the same amount of time with kids who are grumpy, angry, or sad. Here are some ideas for making your job easier:
- Play games. Kids usually love it when you’re paying attention to them, so learn some age-appropriate games to play. Babies might love Peek-a-Boo, toddlers might like being chased around the floor, and older kids can play board games or trivia games with you. Ask the child to pick his/her favorite game and "teach you."
- Watch a movie. Throw on a favorite video or DVD, or watch a new one (make sure the parents approve of it). Make it a special event with a blanket on the floor, snacks, etc. the children will love this
- Plan a big activity. Kids look forward to a babysitter who they know will show them a good time (and are less likely to cause trouble for him or her). Find fun activities to do together, such as making crafts, writing a story, a puppet show or charades. Go even further by planning a surprise for when the parents come home, like a hand made card or gift.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, kids get fussy or misbehave. Here’s how you can help turn things around:
When kids are fussy or in a bad mood, try to figure out why:
- Is she hungry? Will a snack or a drink do the trick?
- Is she tired? Is it time for a nap?
- Is she bored? Should you find a fun activity or game? Sometimes a toy can bring a child out of the bad mood?
When kids misbehave, you’ve got to deal with it quickly, and with confidence:
Let them know who’s boss. Many kids will try to see how far they can push you, and might not do what you say because you’re “not their parent.” Make sure you’re kind/gentle but firm, and let them know that as long as they’re in your care, you’re in charge.
- Be clear about rules and limits. Let kids know what you expect of them and stick to your guns. If Mom and Dad say they can only have two cookies at snack time, don’t let them have four. If nap time is at noon, don’t let them stay up until two.
- Be a good example. When you let kids know what is good behavior and what is unacceptable, be sure to practice what you preach. If you tell them that it’s not okay to shout, don’t start shouting yourself. If you want them to share with others, make sure you share too.
- Change the situation. When kids act up or cause trouble, re-direct the children by getting them into a new situation. Take them into a different room, give them a different toy, or take them for a walk. If you distract them like this, very young kids can quickly forget what they were upset about in the first place.
- Be fair. Kids get angry and frustrated if they think adults are “not being fair.” Try not to show preference for one child over another and let the kids know you respect their rights, even if you have to lay down the law and make them follow the rules. They’ll probably be better about listening to you if they see you as fair and honest.
- Separate fighting sibs. End conflicts and squabbles quickly by separating kids who are fighting. It doesn’t matter who “started it,” and you can let kids know this. Make sure kids understand that fighting is not allowed at any time and give them some time apart doing separate activities. It’s a good idea to talk to parents about issues or situations that might cause conflicts between sibs…and keep a lookout so you can stop fights before they start.
- Punishment. Make sure you talk to parents beforehand about what you should do if you absolutely can’t get kids to behave. They may tell you to send the child to his room, take away TV or videogame privileges. You’ve got to follow the parents’ lead on this, since your own idea of punishment may be different from theirs.
Remember: Never ever hit, strike, or push a child! This is abuse, and it’s not allowed under any circumstances. No matter how stressful the situation is, there is a way to deal with it that does not involve violence.
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