Babysitting a Bratty Baby?

Question

(alliteration not intended). I babysit this total brat who likes to scream and yell. And one time he tried to close the piano lid on my fingers. His parents warned me that he can be "a bit testy" so it's no surprise to them.
Any tips on keeping this monkey in it's cage?

Answer 1

yea just relax and ignore him when he is screaming and put him in his room. good luck

Answer 2

Babies have the personalities their mothers create through nurturing, so - first - try not to blame this little kid for his personality. It wasn't his doing.

You've called him a "baby", so I'm assuming he may be two years old or so? Children of two years old often have tantrums if they don't get their way. Some can be aggressive because they need to act out and may not quite realize how damaging something they do could really be.

If he's in the area of two (or even if he's not) try not to spring surprises on him. That's one of the first things that gets screaming going. Find something like a set of blocks to play with, and take him by the hand, and say, "Hey - let's go build a city. I'll start with a building, and you can help."

If/when blocks loses interest for him get out a piece of paper and some crayons (watching that he only has a crayon at a time and making sure he stays at the table with it) and draw some "kitties" or snowmen or funny monsters.

Whatever you do to keep him entertained, engage him in conversation. Talk about the color building you will build and the flower boxes you'll add or name the kitties you draw and then draw different hats on their heads.

Don't try to get him to watch movies with you. Don't just leave him to think up stuff to do himself. As long as you're being paid to watch him you need to just plan to keep him busy for as much of the time as possible. Break up the playing with a nice snack, and talk about preparing the snack with him. If he gets tired and wants to so nap let him.

Hard as it may be for you to do, treat him with kindness and respect. Pretend you like him, and don't let your frustration or disgust show. If you can get him engaged in some play with you you may find there are things you like about him.

Answer 3

I had a similar babysitting senario when I was a teen.
The child chucked a plastic cup at my head because I was on the phone, telling his mom I could'nt take it anymore. I quit.
Then when I got older I became a licensed child care provider and got one really wild boy, I mean WILD! His parents had no control, but I could see that he really was a cute little person inside, so I worked with him, and he turned out great. I told him what behavior was expected, what would not be accepted, and together we worked things out, though everyone kept telling me I was nuts and to get rid of him, I'm glad I stuck with it. Not easy though...good luck.

Answer 4

Is he screaming and yelling to get his way, or get out of doing something, or for attention? Children use this "technique" when they find it an effective way to get their needs/wants met. If he is used to getting what he wants using this method at home, it is what you can expect when you are with him as well- until you train him otherwise. Set firm boundaries, and don't be afraid to tell toddlers "no". Toddlers do best when given firm expectations, and the same consistent reactions when they test the boundaries. Every time you have to expect the same behavior from him, letting him know what you want, and then follow through. It does no good telling a toddler not to stand on his chair, and then letting him do it anyway when you get tired of asking for the 30th time. It can take up to 20 repetitions of a new habit/behavior before they are able to change it. So, be prepared to say over and over again, "I don't like it when you hit me. We touch people softly." You also have to not only tell a toddler what you expect of them, but show them as well. Take his hand with yours and guide it gently down your arm. "See, we touch soft like this." Many parents find this stage extremely tiring (I do at times as well) because you have to constantly respond with the same thing each time until they understand what you are saying. This takes time... and many parents get tired of saying the same thing over and over again and get lax on consistency. Just as toddlers enjoy the game of dropping something off the side of the highchair a million times to see what will happen, they will test the boundaries you set for them many times. When the consistent responses are given (such as not allowing a child to hit, and telling them the same thing again and again- "No hitting. Hitting hurts people.") then the child can expect what will come next when they hit others. In this way, they learn appropriate behaviors. You may also want to talk to the parent about any special phrases you may begin to use (such as the "We touch soft") so that they can be consistent in using them at home as well. Good luck!

Answer 5

Get down to his level and quietly ask him what he wants (when he's screaming and yelling).
Get him to use words.
Tell him his behavior isn't acceptable and that he will have a time out if he repeats it.
Under no circumstances hit or shake him. Shaking does serious harm, and may land you in prison.
Play with him; pay attention to him and his needs.

Answer 6

I know how you feel. I babysat for a family that had three children, the little boy was completely out of control. he would chase me and his sisters around with knifes and tried throwing chairs at us when he was mad. his mother was always informed about his behavior when she would return home. she knew that the things he did were not acceptable, no form of discipline worked. she knew their was something wrong. she took him to several doctors and find out that he had ODD and ADHD, because of these telling him 'no' and trying to disciplining him wouldn't work, he honestly had no control over his emotions. if the parents of this child are not punishing him when he does not listen to you, maybe they are at a loss for what to do because nothing is working for them, they need to get him checked out to rule out any imbalances.

Answer 7

speak firmly, set him down in a chair and punch him in the face..show him whos boss...make him wish it was just a butt whippin'....its good to make him get his own switch from a tree and let him know if he gets a little one, youll go find ten good ones to use...hangers work good too..fly swatters,take the plastic off..old pop bottles (thick glass returnable kind)...if he claims you hurt him somewhere, be sure to hit there a little harder...and he'll soon stop being so 'testy'..........if not, stone him to death....god bless

Answer 8

SCARE THE CRAP OUT OF HIM! I mean next time he tries to hurt you make it seem like you are bleeding and have him help you clean it up and I bet he wont try that again!

Answer 9

I suggest that you cease watching him since you obviously have no skills in handling him.