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My neighbors have a child who is 4 years old and they are always yelling at him. He is not being hit though because I babysit him almost everyday and I don't see any bruises or marks on his body.
He tends to throw extreme tantrums though when someone tells him no. I know because I've had to deal with many of them. They are ridiculous and I sometimes find myself unable to handle them. I can understand that why the parents scream at him but do you think it can go to far. Should I contact any kind of authority for screaming at a child ? Idk if that question sounds silly, but i just want to know.

2006-07-20 11:45:20 · 14 answers · asked by ? ? ? 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting Parenting

14 answers

Well, it depends on what they are saying. To add to Hippie's answer, I guess. if they are saying things like "Dont throw a tantrum, eat your peas, go to bed" things like that, then its ok. But if they are telling him bad things like "you are stupid, I hate you, etc etc" then it is a serious problem. My dad used to yell at me like that, but I got away from him.

But yea. if its just things like "go to bed, eat your veggies, listen to your mother" just loud because he is screaming and the parents need to be heard, I wouldnt worry about it.

2006-07-20 12:03:13 · answer #1 · answered by trainboy765 4 · 0 0

No, I don't think you need to. The parents just don't know the best way to discipline a child. See if they know the time out method, if used properly, it's all they'll ever need. The problem is talking to them about it. Say to them that in babysitting their little darlin', you need to work out a way to discipline their child (they'll appreciate you coming to them first). In doing this you'll be able to see whether they try to discipline their child, or if they don't believe in it (which just means they're scared that their kid is gonna hate them). Then suggest that you'd like to try the timeout method when you babysit, but it'll only work if both parties co-ordinate the way they do it. That way you can have a direct effect on the way they discipline their child, and you can teach them. Sure, this all means hard work for you, but just think of the fact that the child's amazing behavior will be because of you! Good luck, and if you've got any questions, feel free to email me at jadevandersee@yahoo.com

2006-07-20 22:18:07 · answer #2 · answered by jadevandersee 2 · 0 0

I think you should talk to your parents and let them help you decide what to do or not do. Speaking as a parent, I sometimes yell at my kids when I need to get their attention. If I try talking to them in a normal tone of voice and they ignore me, then I yell. Then they know I'm serious and they had better listen to what I'm saying. It sounds to me like they just need to learn better ways of dealing with the tantrums because apparently yelling isn't working. Here's tip for you for babysitting this child. When he's having a tantrum send him to his room and tell him that you'll talk to him only when he's calmed down. This works for one of my kids. He tells me when he's done and I'll say, "Good. Now we can talk." Then we talk about why he had the tantrum.

2006-07-20 19:02:13 · answer #3 · answered by Mollywobbles 4 · 0 0

What kinds of things are they saying to him? It can be hard to control your anger with a difficult child, but it is not necessary to yell. It is better to get the message across without raising your voice. It is not something that authorities need to be involved in. Maybe (even though uncomfortable and risky) you should tell the parents what you hear from an outside perspective. Try not to sound judgmental. Parents do not want to be told that they are doing something wrong when it comes to their children. Maybe you could even write an anonymous letter. Please research alternative methods to discipline and parental self control, so when you speak to them you will have something valuable to add.

2006-07-20 21:36:20 · answer #4 · answered by MOMof2 3 · 0 0

I wouldn't contact anyone on that. I think they are probably just as fed up as you are with the kid if not more since they live with him. Try talking to his parents and tell them his tantrums are getting worse every day and that they should do something about it even though they are probably trying. Also try to deal with him yourself when you are babysitting him. If he gets better about his tantrums, see if the yelling calms down. If it does, then they were probably just fed up and very tired themselves. If it doesn't calm down, you might look into that.

2006-07-20 18:51:27 · answer #5 · answered by BeeFree 5 · 0 0

#1, have you talked to the parents?,this ,i think would have to be handled very carefully.#2 is the child spoiled?,it could be so many things, my guess is he gets yelled at so much,he takes tantrums to get attention because all he knows is --yelling!!!,he reacts in the same manner! i've had experience with this sort of thing,you have to bring your problem with one or both of the parents in a way that you won't get them upset,like in a suddle way,tell them your concerned,if they're rational people you shouldn't have to worry,also sit down with the child, calmly and look him or her in the eye and ask them what's the matter? try to relate to the child to help in a sort of friendly,playful way maybe so they will confide in you,tell them they don't have to yell to get your attention, and that you are listening,keep the environment quiete and calm too, i hope this might help you!, if this doesn't work, if the parents have money,call nanny-911!!!

2006-07-20 19:03:47 · answer #6 · answered by rose g 1 · 0 0

in the state of Missouri, emotional and/or verbal abuse can be considered domestic abuse which is an arrestable offense. You might want to check on the laws in your state. I wouldn't worry too much though, if he's not being physically abused and your gut tells you the parents have good intentions. I have a six yo with ADHD and I can tell you how frustrating it is to deal with her sometimes.

2006-07-20 21:33:11 · answer #7 · answered by Jessie 2 · 0 0

If the child is not being physically abused, then mind your own. Every parent has there own way of raising children. I would suggest not to babysit anymore and go on with your life. They are just trying to live theirs.

2006-07-20 18:50:59 · answer #8 · answered by coloklute 4 · 0 0

It is emotional abuse, that could possibly escalate into physical abuse. Talking to someone at child protective services would give you more options on dealing with the situation, as well as defining abuse. Call.

2006-07-20 18:49:03 · answer #9 · answered by Hippie 6 · 0 0

there is nothing aginst the law about screaming at a kid its not nice but not aginst the law so the athoritys will not do anything unless the child is being hit or neglected and screaming at his is not neglect or abuse no law breaking there so

2006-07-20 18:51:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

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