hey, I babysit a girl who just turned three (and is learning two languages at a time so she doesn't talk very much yet). Every time she hears I'm coming over she cries, and she starts screaming the second she sees me because she knows it means her mom is about to leave. The second her parents leave and I ask her if she wants to play or read a story she starts to "recover" and has a great time, but I don't want to leave a bad impression on the parents. I don't know any ways of rationalizing with a three year old and helping her to understand I'm just there to play for a few hours and "mommy always comes back". Are there any methods out there I could use to help?? thanks
2007-09-23 18:06:25 · 7 answers · asked by Leah 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
It's totally normal for kids to act that way. And I doubt that the parents think it's you or something you do. No matter how great the sitter is, kids develop an attatchment to their parents and cry when left. It's completely normal.
2007-09-23 18:10:15 · answer #1 · answered by average_american_superhero 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I understand your concern. I hear if your child acts out when they see there day care provider you should be on the lookout for problems with the person taking care of your child. Being you didn't say u beat or hurt the child makes me wonder how much I should look into the child cries crazy maybe its time for a new sitter.
I really dont know what advice I can give other than maybe u can ask the parents if u can come over and play with the kids a little bit before they leave for a few times for the child to understand its ok and they dont put together mom or dad must be leaving but to look at you as a fun friend they have.
2007-09-24 01:12:59 · answer #2 · answered by helpingothers123 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whether she's learning two languages or not...at 3 she should be able to talk properly. This problem may be at the root of the trouble...if a child cannot communicate properly tehn they are less reasonable.
Just reassure the parents that she is fine when they have gone...most parents know this anyway. You can help the child by reading to her a lot and talking to he all the time...to encourage her to speak.
2007-09-24 03:35:35 · answer #3 · answered by Daisyhill 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has nothing to do with you - it has to do with parental attachment.
If the parents have any sort of clue, they know it's not you, but her not wanting them to leave.
This is an issue they need to work on with her - in no way is it your fault or problem.
By age three, however, they should be quite clear that mom is coming back - and the fit like this indicates other issues are involved here.
You don't have to rationalize it - you say "mom will be back at ____ and it is now _____. That's ____ hours. What would you like to do until then. Children that age are rapidly learning time and lengths of time.
2007-09-24 01:16:33 · answer #4 · answered by Cheese Fairy - Mummified 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the parents were worried about her reaction they would not have you keep watching their child. I'm sure they are aware that she has separation anxiety. I used to hang on the back of the couch and cry when my mom went somewhere, but as soon as she was out of the driveway I got back down and was playing. It is just what kids do to make their parents feel guilty.
2007-09-24 01:12:12 · answer #5 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is alright . The parents surely understand. For as long as they see their child unhurt when they get back home and they continue to get you to babysit each time then I think you are giving them good impression. Just be nice to the kid at all times....good luck...
2007-09-24 01:19:57 · answer #6 · answered by amie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try spending time with her when her parents are around,for a few days,she needs to learn to trust you
2007-09-24 01:10:30 · answer #7 · answered by sleepy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋