Moms or someone: How do you get kids not to do that?

Question

Sometimes a couple of families have me babysit their children in the playroom while they have a book club meeting or something downstairs. I like to watch the kids, but I hate it when they realize their parents are downstairs and then they start crying over it and want to go down. I don't want to yell at them or hold them back, because they know and they'll just cry louder. How do I stop them (it's usually always boys) from doing that? Why can't they just behave and play with the other little kids, and let their parents have a smooth meeting for a change? What to do? Thanks for the help, I appreciate it.

Answer 1

I think the parents should go elsewhere. It is understandable that the kids are upset, and then you feel bad because you can't control them. How about taking them for a walk? Out of sight--out of mind. Try to bring something with you that will get them involved- like paint and paper, it's really cheap and will keep a kid entertained for a long time. These parents should understand staying home complicates things, If they give you attitude, simply decline next time they ask you to babysit during their meetings.

Answer 2

First, the parents should always tell the kids they are leaving and going downstairs. It is not good for the kids to look up and find out mom is gone cause they will panic. You can always have some really fun stuff going on that you can redirect them to once mom is starting to leave. It really depends on the ages of the kids on what kind of activities. I know my young ones love to finger paint. We even used pudding to do it. Just put some plastic on the floor if it has carpeting or something. Also make sure you have some old shirts or tshirts to put on over them. If they are like 3 or 4 they can play animal sound games. Have one child make an animal noise and act like an animal. The other kids can guess what the first child is. Or make a store and have the kids dress up and pretend to go shopping. Do a puppet show or have the kids act out their favorite movies. These always distract my kids. Music and dancing helps my baby get distracted. You can make up silly dances to music and watch the kids go. Just a few suggestions that work for me. Good luck.

Answer 3

I think I would try and find something that the boys really like to do or watch. Maybe they are into skate boarding or like motocross or watching surfing on dvd. Let them know that being with you is a fun time. I new a little boy who cried every morning for a year when first taken to school, his mom was distraught that he might cry all day. The teacher would just try to get him invovled in the days activities and he would soon stop crying. It was harder on him mother than on him. I know its a pain when having to deal with a child like this, but it is a natural thing and try not to let it get to you, but use something that the child might be interested in to draw his attention away from missing his mom

Answer 4

I think you should mention it to the parents that their child/children are intent on being with them during their meeting. Maybe they (parent) should reassure their child/children that they are in another room and will come back. Hopefully they will also remind them to behave in public. Maybe you can try to have a little reward for them at the end of the period for behaving. A game would also help keep them intertained and out of trouble. If the child/children refuse to play the game in the beginning them try to qently coax them to.

Answer 5

a lot of what you do depends on the age of the children. basically, just give the child reassurance that mom or dad will be back soon. also, try to engage the kids in a fun activity such as singing, playing with blocks or coloring. it will help take their minds off the fact that they feel like their parents have abandoned them. it's normal for kids to feel some sort of separation anxiety, especially if they are with a sitter they aren't totally familiar with. hang in there! you'll get through it!

Answer 6

I would speak to the parent about this. If the parent can't come up with a solution for the child to feel reassured that their parents will be back, then they should make other arrangements for the child while they are at the meeting.

Answer 7

I find that directing their attention to another toy, book or pointing them to the activities that other kids are doing helps. I would also have planned activities ahead of time:

-Have a contest depending on the age of the kids.
-Have games that involves all the kids. Duck-duck-goose anyone?
-Talk with their parents to make sure that they bring their favorite toys.

Answer 8

You have to get the children's attention with something that they really like and when you speak to them you need to speak with a loud (but not scarry) and excited voice. Children love lots of emotion and sarcasm. They love to see adults dance and sing and act like one of them. If they see that you are scared and frustrated then they will feel the same. Be ready for them with ideas to intertain them. Mabe set up more than one project or play area for them to play with. They need choices and to to feel comfertable with you or else they will think about mommy and daddy.

Answer 9

Just tell them yes mommy /daddy are right downstairs or wherever. Then try singing, games, maybe even a puppet show they can get involved in. I used to sing little songs that involved using your hand and or feet. It usually always worked. Here is just a couple sites you can try:
http://www.songsforteaching.com/movement...
http://www.kididdles.com/mouseum/allsong...

Answer 10

i have this trouble with the little boy I'm a nanny for, his mum works in her office and he knows she is in there. when i know she is going to be at home i always have some fun activities for him, like craft, play doh, videos of his fave shows, and play music and do some dancing. with children its all about distraction, find out what they like to do and organise that activity. good luck