What do you do to get a little kid to not cry because they want their mom?

Question

We are babysitting...and we want ideas, just incase.

Answer 1

Keep them occupied. Play with them, start some sort of activity that will take it off their mind. Put on a movie, something that can easily distract them, disney or something.

Answer 2

Often, kids will keep saying the same thing over and over again BECAUSE they think you haven't heard them the first time.

A really useful principle with kids is to listen to their problem, tell them you understand, and then repeat the problem back to them. Once they know without doubt that you have heard their problem, they can stop telling you.

If they are crying because they miss Mommy, say, "I understand. You miss your mother. I understand that."
You can go on to say, especially if the child is around three or so, "Everyone misses somebody sometimes. I am sure that your mother is thinking about you right now. You know that you will always see her again. So when you're ready, I have some fun things we can do until she comes to get you."

Here, you are1) expressing understanding of the problem. 2) telling the child that their problem is not unique to them. 3) reassuring the child that their mother has not disappeared and will come home and 4) distracting them - all while showing respect for the child's feelings.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

Answer 3

Go for a walk outside. Something about outside is really calming for kids.

If they're old enough to talk about it, let them talk about it and validate their feelings. If they're not, and they do cry, you could say things like "You really miss your mom", etc. This may not result in less crying but the child not crying should not be the only goal. Sometimes kids need to cry if something hard is happening.

Try to babysit at the child's house if you have that option. Make sure you really know him/her before the parents leave the child with you.

Answer 4

Talk to the kid. How old is he/she? Explain that their parents (or just mom) will be home in a little while. For right now though--you guys are going to play games. Give them comfort then start to read a book or play a game to distract them. Best of Luck!

Answer 5

First, go with distraction... if they're having fun they won't care! But if that doesn't work, ask them to write a letter or draw a picture for mom. If you can email it, all the better. But DON'T let them talk to her unless it's a last resort. In my experience, that just makes it worse.

Fun and games is the best strategy. Ice cream always works. And if it's a sleepover thing, try lots of stories at bed time.

Answer 6

Just keep the child entertained...play, play, play!! Be enthusiastic and have fun in whatever you are playing.
Ask the parents what are some of this child's favorite things, like books, ball, a certain toy, etc...if the child starts to fuss or feel blue, just say, "hey, let's read a book" or "let's play with this ball".
If s/he asks about mommy, just say, mom will be home soon...if the child is small they really have no concept of time, so you can just remind them that mommy will be home soon, don't worry, but until she comes home let's play this...or that...
You'll do great, as long as your focus is the child and you play with him/her.
Have fun!

Answer 7

Validate their feelings by saying "you're missing you're Mom right now aren't you" and then reassure them by saying "that's okay, Mommy will be back later and we can do some fun stuff till then"
Then don't mention it again, don't keep talking about it.... just move onto some activity. This is called DISTRACTION.

Play some games with them, read some stories, draw some pictures, watch a cartoon,
Just hang out with them and they should stop crying.

but

Answer 8

Distract him/her while the parents are leaving other wise there going to cry and alls you can do is confort them because asking a kid not to cry for their mom when they want her is like asking someone not to scream when they break the leg

Answer 9

Tell them that it is alright to want mommy. Give lots of hugs, and reassure the child that mommy will be back. "Your mommy will always come back." is a good phrase. Sometimes it helps to then get them involved in doing other things- called redirecting. Find something fun for them to get involved in. This will help take their mind off wanting mommy. Just be sure to acknowledge their feelings if they start crying again... "I know you want mommy to come home, and she will be here soon."

Answer 10

try to get started in playing a game or reading a story BEFORE the parents leave, so that you are already busy when it comes time to say, "see you later." try to have as many activities as you can think of because the attention span is very short at those young ages.