Disciplinary action!?

Question

Im a nanny. the oldest boy among 3 is 8. his attitude is horrendous!!!! now his mom and dad talk to him punish him and hes fine. until mom and dad are gone. then its nothing but arguing, fighting with his brothers, throwing fits. Im at a loss. ive talked to his parents and they do the same thing they always do which isnt getting to him. so are there any parents out there with boys who can help me get a handle on this situation? little tips or something on how to handle his attitude? it is very frustrating.

Answer 1

I think you will have a hard time handling this alone. It should be addressed as a group. Mom, Dad, 8yr old and you need to sit down and discuss the problem. Maybe he needs to hear Mom and Dad tell you that you can punish him, just like they do. An eight year old child is smart enough to know what is going on. He is playing you like a violin, only because his parents are not there. What do you do to correct his behavior while Mom and Dad are away? Is there a reward system in the home for good behavior? Is he getting the amount of one-on-one attention that he needs? (some children do need more than others and will act out to get it) There are many good suggestions in the answers to the questions posted on this site. Try to see what works. If the love and attention are given, and punishment only works a short while, then maybe there may be a medical issue that needs to be addressed. I think you should start by putting your foot down and letting the child know that you are not going to accept his behavior. Reward him for the things you see that are good. (even if you notice his shoes are tied or his hair is combed) Anything positive. I do agree that it is sometimes hard to find something, but you can do it.
How old are the other boys? Does the care that they require automatically cause them to get more attention?
As for throwing fits, when he gets started, walk across the room and totally ignore him. He will get the picture.
I understand the frustration, but you are the adult and you need to be firm but loving at the same time.
I wish you luck.

Answer 2

I know a nanny who went through almost the same thing. In her case she was dealing with a little girl. This is what worked for her. She took a nwspaper unfolded it, and placed in in a corner of the room. She would have the little girl stand there when she was misbehaving. This was a child that no one, could get to listen. After a few days the the nany would would only have to say newspaper and the little girl would stop acting up. Things got better ans she was able to get the child under control again. Not sure if it would help in your situation, but thought I would offer. Good Luck

Answer 3

You and the kids parents need to work out a discipline plan.Then you have to all get together and tell the boys what is expected of them.Their parents have to allow you to discipline the boys in their absence.By discipline I mean naughty chairs,time out,no privileges and sticker charts.No physical discipline!As you are a nanny it is your job to take charge and follow through on these things.

Answer 4

You gotta find his weakness, I know it sounds horrible but there must be something that he loves like computer games or going out to play that he couldn't stand to have taken away from him, it'd work wonders if you and the parents could stick to it.

Answer 5

Get a basket and put it in the room where most of his toys are. When he misbehaves, walk over and take a toy and put it in the basket and tell him he is not to play with that toy anymore. When his parents get home, they will ask what the basket full of toys is for and he'll have to explain. He'll tell them "that's where my toys go if I'm bad and I'm not allowed to play with them" and his parents will most likely sit down and talk with him about his behavior when they see how many toys are in the basket.

Answer 6

introduce him and the rest t the naughty step. That were they will have to sit if there bad.