How can I help keep a kid quiet? I'm babysitting again tomorrow night and the kid shrieks a lot. I was babysitting him last night and he didn't scream but he did the previous time I babysat. He mainly shrieks when I step out of the room for a minute or two (to use the restroom) or even if I'm just there. If I'm sitting next to him he'll start screaming and shrieking. He's 7, he's not trying to tell me anything, he's just screeching for the joy of it. How can I save my ears from the wretched screaming?
2007-12-19 05:37:23 · 44 answers · asked by That Gay Guy for Da Ben Dan 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
The kid is an angel, he just shrieks a lot (I think he likes the sound...). But what you may not realize is that I have hypersensitive hearing to certain noises, and shrill sounds really aggravate it.
2007-12-19 05:42:56 · update #1
My ear canals are far too small for earplugs, that's part of the problem. I play with him constantly but he will just shriek out of the blue. He'll play the whole time with me and I'll keep him busy the whole time and he'll just screech.
2007-12-19 05:50:21 · update #2
Talk too him about why he does it, see if there is anything else he can do to express those feelings...
Sounds like he just wants attention.
2007-12-19 05:40:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 9⤊ 0⤋
Time outs, dude. 10 minutes for each screech using the timer. Don't let him choose the location. the time out doesn't start until he is quiet and still. afterwards reward him for being quiet and still during his time out (some small treat) and then have him imagine what it is like to be you having him screach in your ear, how it makes you feel (or how he would feel). Inform the parent(s) of his behavior and how he did with timeouts. If he continues to shriek, don't babysit for him anymore, and let the parent(s) know why. Also, bear in mind that kids can be really excited when a babysitter comes. This kid may need to be kept very busy with fun activities. Playing games like "guess what I am" are awesome distraction techniques that redirect kids towards constructive behavior. I learned that game this week and it has made car rides with three hyper kids so much better.
2007-12-19 05:49:12 · answer #2 · answered by barbarella 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Talk to his parents about what an appropriate deterrent might be. It may be that he loses 5 minutes of TV privileges or goes to bed 5 minutes earlier than his normal time each time he shrieks.
2007-12-19 05:53:11 · answer #3 · answered by Jenni Mae 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whew, that's a hard one but frankly I wouldn't babysit him again. There may just be a conflict between the two of you. If you are stuck babysitting him this time I would consider bribing him with his favorite video or food. How about, "I will take you to your favorite fast food place if you are a quiet boy tonight?" Explain that his shouting hurts your sensitive ears or that you have a headache. I have a feeling it won't work and this will be a wash. Is he likes this with everyone? Does he have any "problems" that are manifested by screaming? This is one difficult situation and I wish you luck.
2007-12-19 05:44:20 · answer #4 · answered by Jane S 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
you can't darlin....its just something kids do. when he starts doing it, you can try diverting his attention but there's no way to permanently stop it without threatening him. he's just now getting adjusted to you so you really don't want to make him fear you already. when he does it, quietly ask him to stop. a lot of times using a very low voice will help more than yelling cuz the child will quiet down so he can hear you. other than that....take some earplugs or cotton balls with you. keep him busy making more christmas cookies....you did great last night!!!!
2007-12-19 05:42:48 · answer #5 · answered by 4Xthe fun 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Engage the child in an activity. Usually boredom causes whining or excessive chatter. Read a book, go to the park, watch a movie together, play a board game, etc.
2007-12-19 05:46:05 · answer #6 · answered by Kerry 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to get tough on him. Tell him if he continues this behavior, you'll take away something he really likes (a toy, movie, food, freedom (putting him in the corner), etc).
How annoying! I'm sorry you have to go through that, lol. I would also suggest asking the boy's parents for a raise (if you are getting paid - which i should hope you are!). This usually makes parents wonder if there is something going wrong and will be inspired to ask, so you can tell them what is going on.
2007-12-19 05:43:35 · answer #7 · answered by ♥ Cute T ♥ 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Find something fun to take his mind off screaming. Play basketball, color with crayons, find a race track or train track. He's 7, he most likely has that stuff. PLAY WITH HIM!!!!!
I'm sure he screams because he's bored! When you babysit you don't just sit on your butt and watch TV. Entertain him, teach him his ABC or bring a book about planets or aliens...whatever. He look forward to you coming each time.
2007-12-19 05:44:21 · answer #8 · answered by Stephanie S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If he's screaming for the fun of it, and only when you leave the room, he is probably looking for attention. Make sure to play with him a lot right before you leave, and ignore his screams. Trying to make him stop lets him know that its working, once he knows it doesn't work he'll stop. Pay attention to him when he's quiet so he knows how to get your attention.
2007-12-19 05:43:42 · answer #9 · answered by gospelgirl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you familiar with Love and Logic? It is a management strategy for parents and teachers that enforces good behavior while still showing care for children. You may want to look up loveandlogic.com. I would use enforceable statements with the 7 year old. Always use "I" statements and keep positive. If he starts screaming, calming say, "I really enjoy watching kids that are well behaved" or "I appreciate calm voices."
2007-12-19 05:42:22 · answer #10 · answered by lisadumbgame 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Why not try interacting with him? How about suggesting a movie, or watching cartoons together?
Or letting him help you cook dinner. If he's seven years old, you should calmly explain to him that it's hurting you when he screams and it's not beneficial for anyone.
Obviously he's screeching for attention. My brother used to do this. It drove me crazy. Negative actions mean he's crying out for positive attention.
2007-12-19 05:41:52 · answer #11 · answered by manhattanchicka 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋