How do you get a 2 year old to stop crying for his parents all day long? He is my nephew that Iam babysitting

Question

My daughter just turned 1 and My nephew just turned 2. I am into the 3rd wk of wathcing him. He does nothing but scream for mom and dad all day long I take him with us to my moms club a playgroup his age , story time lots of park time. He does it so loud that my daughter begins to cry. As the wks go by it has become worse instead of better. The first wk he only did it right after being droped off. The second week he began doing it at every transition. ex: We would leave stroy time and arive at playgroup then he would begain crying for his parents and this last week he is now upgraded to a full on all day scream. Also he has tantrems when he asks to be carried , he doesn't like to walk anrywhere and I am already caring my daughter that doesn't walk. So I have to tell him no Then he drops down on his back and kicks and screams for his parents once again ( they carry him everywhere) he is there baby. I don't know what to do. I hate to send him back to day care.

Answer 1

Whatever you do-DO NOT LISTEN TO A WORD THAT CASSANDRA WROTE.
Your nephews mother is NOT horrible or wretched.
You do need to communicate with the mother and try and work together on a solution...But major kudos to you on trying your hardest to get him from crying.. especially with a child of your own, that can be VERY frustrating.
If he had been in daycare before he was with you, he might just be having too much change going on, children his age THRIVE off of consistancy.
Just have a conversation with his mom about what is going on, and Im sure you two can try a few more different things and hopefully find something that works.
Sometimes, something as simple as a blanket that's been sprayed with his mothers perfume is comforting enough.. so when he starts to get agitated and misses her, you can let him snuggle with the blanket :)
I wish you luck!!

Answer 2

This might sound a little mean but I used to sit my nephew down on the couch, and tell him he could get up when he was ready to stop crying and I wouldn't say anything else to him. I'd sit on the couch on the opposite side of the room and wait. It usually only took a half hour at most. After a few days he wouldn't even cry when he was dropped off.
If he cries while at playgroup or story time just remove him from the situation.
This is only my advice for AFTER you're sure that there is nothing physically wrong with him.
Good Luck

Answer 3

First of all, please don't force him to sit on the couch or hold him down or anything like that! Remember he is only 2 - he IS still a baby! I have children of my own plus I run a home daycare... my first question would be, are the parents making a big deal when they drop him off.. kissing, hugging, saying how much they are going to miss him? That was a major problem with one of the kids I babysat. When the Mom or Dad makes a big fuss about leaving, the child takes that as I must be being left in a bad place if mommy/daddy is upset and nervous about leaving me here. Tell them, to bring him in, settle him in, 5 mintues TOPS, say have fun, I love you, be back soon and leave! Then he will learn, mommy/daddy's not upset, so it must be a good place to be.. tell the parents to say how much they wish they could stay here and play with all the toys too, but they have to go to their boring work! Let him cry.. he's only 2... Let him cry in the hallway, go sit on the floor with the other children, within his view, have lots of fun, laugh, sing, whatever, keep telling him that when he's ready he can come over and join you... eventually he will! This works, I know from first hand experience. Good luck, and don't lose patience with him, he can't be blamed for being scared and wanting to be with mommy/daddy!

Answer 4

At that age, he really notices the difference between you and his mom or dad. Separation anxiety is totally normal for that age, but so hard on everyone involved. Does he have a blankie or other lovie that he could bring that smells like Mom? Or maybe you and he could make an art project or cookies or something that he could share with his Mom. Maybe he could help with the care of your daughter, make him feel important. Otherwise, kids cry. Sometimes there isn't anything you can do differently.

Answer 5

Shyness

IF the child starts to cry when the parents leave, speak to her softly and soothingly, tell her that her parents will be home soon. Approach her gently and quietly.

Temper Tantrums

If the child is throwing a fit and starts screaming, make sure he’s not close to the furniture or stairwell, and let him tire himself out.

Power Struggles

IF the child is testing you and won’t do anything you ask her to do, try to get her on your side, ask her to show you her favourite game and give her as much guidance as you can, and pay attention to her.

Crying

If the baby starts to cry, try giving her a bottle, check to see if her diaper is too tight, or dirty, and try to hold him/her. Call the parents if the baby continues to cry longer than 15-20 minutes.

~I babysit~

Answer 6

Honestly healthy normal kids should only cry for a little bit and become amused with something else. She must be doing something that they are very dependent on. I worry about the children.. they must have serious detachment issues....if not I would ignore it at the beginning and do fun things with your child and see if they want to be interested....Don't cater to the fits..Kids know when they can get away with stuff..Stop having pity..he probably can sense it...Aslo set some rules for your house that are different from his own house.....kids (people in general) only do what they are allowed to do..infants are different,,,toddlers can be trained...

Answer 7

This sounds like it is taking its toll on you. You say you don't want him to go back to daycare. But yet he doesn't seem to be happy where he's at with you. Have you talk to the parents . Did they give you any suggestions in handle the matter with their son? If not you have to really think is the stress of taking care of some else's child compromiseing you taking care of your own child? And if so, what about your own well being. You can't take care of anything esle unless you can take care of your own well being and peace of mind. Good Luck I hope this sends you some comfort.

Answer 8

Wow that is a tuff one. I have a 3yr old. I understand your frustration. Did he do this at daycare as well?? Are his parents well aware of this happening. Give it another month to see if he adjusts to the competition of his cousin as far as being picked up. That is where the issue really is. Then and only then, you may want to talk to his parents. As bad as it sounds, you need to lay it on the line in a mild way with his parents. You may love him tons as a nephew but you dont need this problem.

Answer 9

First, remember that he is only 2. He is expressing himself in the manner that he has been conditioned to express himself. Don't hold him down, that is cruel. Speak in low tones and acknowledge that he wants his parents and they will return soon. Discuss this with his parents, maybe the child prefers day care. Also, If his parents have made him the center of their universe, then they should stay home and care for him and not give him to other people that can't accommodate such an unrealistic parenting style.

Answer 10

He still adjusting to the change. I know your trying to do your best with 2 kids and his age is still a little young to explain what's going on, but you should probably get his parents envoled. Try sending a picture of you and your daughter home with him and have them explain to him who you are and why he's going to your house everyday . I wouldn't go to many places through the day to let him adjust. After he has adjusted then plan more activities