Is the child labeled the "bad child" always the problem?

Question

I am babysitting three girls Monday- Friday from 7:30 - 3:30.

The oldest is 7 and is a tattle tale, she makes anything into a problem.

The middle child is 5 and has been labled the "bad one" she can't take two steps without one of her sisters saying something about how bad she is, even when she hasn't done anything wrong yet.

The third is 4 and like I said is always calling her sister the "bad" one.

Anyway I know I should treat them equally but for some reason I favor the "bad kid". Its like she has a false label because I don't see it.

It doesn't matter what we are doing: eating lunch, playing a game, going for a walk. The other two always bring up some story on why she is bad.

So:

1) Is the labeled kid always the problem?

2)What should I do?

Answer 1

This poor kid seems to be the victim of "middle child syndrome." The middle one is often made out to be the bad guy (or girl) by the younger and older children. Good for you, for recognizing that the other two probably have a hand in the "bad stuff" that goes on.

I would tell the 7-year-old and the 4-year-old that you will not listen to any more tattling, because they are not in charge of the 5-year-old's behavior. Assure them that if you see the 5-year-old doing anything YOU think is bad, you'll stop her. Then, ignore them completely if they continue to tattle about stupid things.

And I'm sure the 5-year-old could use a little "favoring" at this point. Go ahead and give her a little extra something special. She probably needs it in this family!

Answer 2

The two siblings who call the 5 year old the "bad" one have probably heard their parents or others call her that. I think you need to tell them that while you are there babysitting you don't want them calling her the bad one. The problem is that the girl will grow up hearing herself called the bad one so why should she be good? She may end up doing things she shouldn't just because she's been labeled. I really think the best thing you can do is try to break the other two of calling her that. Maybe, start out the day by setting aside stickers or candy or something for each of them and each time they call her the bad one they lose a sticker or piece of candy and it goes to her. If you can break them of calling her the bad one while you are there then they will probably stop doing it other times too. When they start telling a story about why she is bad tell them you'll listen to that story only if they tell a good story about her first. Make them think of ways that she is good and make them tell the good story before the bad one or they'll tell the bad one and then say they forgot the good one.

Answer 3

No, the labeled kid is definitely not always the problem. However, middle children are often not given the attention they need, which could cause her to act out. I would try to give equal attention to all three in order to avoid favoritism.

More importantly, I would try talking to all three children and let them know that name-calling of any sort is not acceptable.

Answer 4

WHOA!!!! Who stated something approximately slapping him on the pinnacle? did you comprehend that a blow to the pinnacle would reason epilepsy? that is a seziure affliction. I even have it, with a existence background of grand mal seziures. I pay attention they're frightening to could watch. NO, he should not be accused of issues he hasn't finished. In grades a million-8, i replaced into accussed of issues in college that i did not do. yet i replaced into one in all the who wasn't instructors,central's "puppy" or enjoyed too properly with the aid of the secatary. My human beings did not paintings on the faculty or on college board have actual significant jobs. it is not honest, yet as an epileptic, you learn that existence isn't honest.

Answer 5

The bad child is obviousely annoying the other two some other way. Maybe it is favoritism that made the child alienated. Find out why.

Answer 6

talk to their mother and find out why she is allowing this behavior to continue and if she does not know anything about this then she might take care of it . If she does not then you need to see if the mom would be willing to get some counseling for the girls this is not good behavior by any means . good luck .

Answer 7

that is sad. I hope she doesn't grow up believing it.. but she probably will. I am surprised the parents allow that. I would stand up for her and tell the kids to back off. I would make ahuge deal out of how wrong they are and how good she is.