Moms or someome: How do you get them 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

First off let me say that you are very perceptive and considerate of the parents and the children you are in charge of. Asking for help is the first step toward getting a solution.
Personally, I would ask the "in charge" parent if it would possible for them to enjoy a night out and get a cup of coffee out while discussing their book. Point out the benefits of being away for an hour or so. If that doesn't work then suggest may be watching them at another home.
Having the children upset because their parents refuse to leave puts you in a awkward situation. I would gently let them know that you have their child's interest at heart.

Answer 2

Kids, especially little ones, need some directed distraction once in a while. Instead of planning on letting the kids distract themselves, plan a few, notice i said A FEW, entire group activities.

You could organize a story time, with puppets and everything. Perhaps they could all paint a huuuuuuuuuuge picture together (or use crayons, less mess). Try a group craft (one that is simple and not tooo messy). Play "Simon Says" or "Charades" together. You get the idea. Make sure there is a group snack arranged, and all eat together. You could turn the "group snack" into a "fancy" affair, where the boys are the Knights of the Round
Table, and the girls are the Princesses. Fancy manners can be fun when the kids are little!

It all depends on the kids' ages, too. You may need extra help, if your group is too large for you to handle alone.

Your local library should have some really good books on kids' party games. The whole point is, if the kids are actually having FUN, they won't care where Mom is at that moment.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You can't change the kids, but you can suggest to the parents that the kids need to be watched somewhere else. Have the parents take you to a park or something before the meeting.

If you were my babysitter, I'd listen to you and try to come up with a solution.

Answer 4

Depends on the ages, but if they are crying and running im guessing they are between 5-8 yrs old, Id say find games that keep the mind interested and with short term attention spans, its gotta be something really entertainig. Red light gren light is one of my favorites, play with them with there toys,video games, board games stuff like that or wrestle.

Answer 5

Have you tried putting a Disney movie on TV or turn childrens music on the stereo, or something, to try to block out the noise coming from downstairs?

Answer 6

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.htm
http://www.kididdles.com/mouseum/allsongs.html

Answer 7

Could try to take them outside to play or just bring them for a walk. if you cant bring them out, you could always let them play video games. I've had the same thing happen to me. what i did was blocked there way so they cant leave but be goofy about it maybe you can make them laugh instead of cry. *Worked for me*

Answer 8

Try to distract them with a toy or a game or something, If that doesn't work then let them be with their parent

Answer 9

It sounds like they are really little...if that's the case, you can try distracting them otherwise, if they can hear their Mom, it's a lost cause and it's better to let them go.

Answer 10

That's the parent's fault, not yours. The parents need to quit putting up with it. You also need to find out exactly WHAT authority you do have from the parents so that you can USE it.