Not all sitting charges are li’l angels. When you run into a
sticky situation, though, there’s no need to panic! From kids who refuse to hit
the hay (or stop hitting their sibs) to tots who hate hearing N-O, GL’s here to
bust your five biggest babysitting problems.
Bedtime blues
At least an hour before bedtime, avoid activities, like
hide-and-seek, that might get the little ones all wound up. Watching more than
one kid? Turn it into a game, advises GL reader Zoey: “I tell the older one to
set a good example and get ready for bed. Then I tell his sis to show him how
good she listens. It works every time.” And don’t forget to have them brush
their teeth.
Rough ‘n’ tough
Four-year-old twins Billy and Bobby were playing nice a
minute ago, but now they’re punching each other over who gets the Bob the Builder
dump truck. What’s a girl to do? Separate
the sibs so they can cool off. A good rule to follow is a minute of time-out
for each year of the child’s age. It doesn’t matter who “started it.” You’re
there to stop it. Tell them fighting is not OK and that Round Two lands them
back in time-out.
Boo boos
As the old saying goes, “It’s all fun and games until
someone gets hurt.” Or in this case, a very expensive vase in the living room
just smashed to the ground. Sitch solver? Honesty is definitely the best policy. Clean up any mess
before the kiddies hurt themselves, then ’fess up to the parents, apologize,
and offer to repay them. They’ll probably let it slide, but clearing the sitch
will showcase your maturity and integrity.
How to say “no”
Sure, you want the kids to like you, but there will come a
point in every babysitter’s career where she will have to say that dreaded
two-letter word: “No.” Face it—since you’re not their parent, some kids are
going to try to pull a fast one on you. You’ve been prepped and know the rules,
so stick to them! The kids might cry or flash puppy-dog eyes, but firmly hold
your ground. Look at it this way, if you’re a pushover, they’ll keep trying,
but if you stay firm and calm, you’ll get the point across that this chica
means business. It’ll earn their respect.
Popping the Q
You and Annie are playing dolls when out of nowhere she asks
you, “Where do babies come from?” What do you do when the kids ask you
something difficult or embarrassing? Talk about a major blush-much moment! Kids
are curious little creatures who ask a lot of questions. But you don’t have to
answer all of them—and probably shouldn’t. It’s best to leave it to the
professionals (aka Mom and Dad). Simply reply, “That’s a great question, but we
should wait until Mommy and Daddy come home to help us figure that one out.”
Phew….
What’s your biggest
babysitting problem?
BY PATRICIA MCNAMARA AND L'OREAL THOMPSON ON 9/20/2012 3:16:00 PM
POSTED IN be a pro babysitter, babysitting 101, be a safe sitter