Am I a mean babysitter part 2?

Question

Sometimes when the four year old boy that I watch asks me something, I get annoyed. Like when he asks me what I'm doing.
I like kids a lot, but sometimes when I'm tired I get annoyed. Then everytime I go to do something in the kitchen, he has to follow me and come and see what I'm doing, lol, and my apartment is not that big, it is also crowded with toys and things that I provide for the kids.
Sometimes when he asks to watch a movie or play a game I tell him no or I hold off on it, bc I may be on my computer playing a game or checking my email.
But him and his little brother have plenty of toys to play with. Is this mean?
I truly think that I'm really nice to them, I just get annoyed sometimes. Is it normal to get annoyed when babysitting kids??
Please take this question seriously, bc I would llike to know what I can do to improve.I have a 3 month old myself and I'm really patient with her, but it is harder to be patient with other people's children. How can I be better?
Thanks!

Answer 1

I think its wonderful that you're so honest of your feelings and that you want improve your self. I am a Head Start teacher and work with 3 to 5 year olds. What you just described is a child wanting your attention. You, feeling annoyed, is called immaturity. I don't think you're mean or a child hater. I just think you need to grow up and move on to the next step which is learning more about child behavior. Go to your local community college and get some units in child development. If you take care of three or more children you can qualify to get extra money by appling for "The Cares Program". If you have 12 units in child development and child care lisence you qualify. The program is great becasue it keeps you up to date with the latest in possitive discipline and child development.

I think you're feeling a little guilty as to your behavior towards the children you take care of. The good thing is that you're wanting to impove the way you are. I recommend you read and listen to some audio CD's from Dr. Becky Baily. She has great knowlegdge in child development and possitive discipline. She is good at explaining why children behave and do what they do. Go to Conscious Discipline.com and yo will find information on Dr. Becky Baily.

Answer 2

When this little boy is following you and asking you what you are doing, he is just interested (or maybe the mom is having him ask these questions to see if you are working or just sitting on the computer). He is young so he is trying to learn how to behave when he gets older. If you are snapping at him and annoyed, he is going to learn to be a hateful person. You should be watching the children not putting them off so you can check e-mail or play a game on the computer. You are getting paid for the children not the computer. Of course, if you think about it, if they want to watch a movie you could get up, start the movie, then go back to what you were doing. Also, Usually it is easier to be a patient with other people children, of course, your daughter is not following you around and asking questions. My suggestion is to remember that you are the older one and the kids are just trying to learn from you. Ask the boy what he is doing and show interest, you could be doing a really good service for him. I worked at a daycare for 5 years with 40 children ages 1-12 years old. With that many I can see someone getting annoyed but with only 2 kids there are not as many questions being asked, children following, and all the noise. I now work at a middle school where I teach children with emotional disabilities now talk about stressful. You just have to remember the children need you!! Good Luck!!

Answer 3

First of all if you are babysitting then your are supposed to be playing with the children. 4 year olds are famous for asking questions it is how they learn. Following you in the kitchen is a wonderful time to teach them things. Let them watch you cook or pour juice. It will help them trust me. Get on the floor and play games with them it teaches them to take turns. Watch a movie with them so you can talk about the difference between fantasy and reality.

If you are annoyed now with the kids you babysit wait until your child is 4 and you can't send her back home to her parents.

Children are children if you can't deal with that then you shouldn't be babysitting.

Answer 4

Put yourself in the position of these children. It is not easy for them. Try to be more patient. You could tell him that you need 5 or 10 minutes to do what you need to do and then you will play with him or watch a movie or whatever. Repeat if necessary. Is it possible to take them out to a playground or for a walk? Can you set up the children with an activity such as coloring or drawing?

Answer 5

I understand that you like kids, but to be honest, you don't sound like babysitter material. I would only hire someone who is eager to spend time and play with my son, and who will be patient with him. Of course he wants to follow you - he's a curious little boy, and you're paid to watch him! I personally wouldn't hire you to take care of my child, and I'm sure any parent who knew how you feel and act when you babysit would feel the same way. After all, would you want to leave your own daughter with someone who played on the computer instead of interacting with her, who had little patience with her, and who got annoyed with her for acting like a typical child? I certainly hope not.
You should not be on the computer or playing a game while you're working. Your job is to interact constantly with the kids when you are babysitting them. I'm sure their parents would be livid to know that they are spending money to have the babysitter play on the computer.
Focus on your own daughter, and seek other employment. If this is really the only way you can make money right now, please find the time to take some child development and ECE courses. If you don't, you're going to find yourself out of a job when the little boys tell their parents about what goes on at your house. Trust me, the 4 - year - old is at that age. Good luck.

Answer 6

Personally, I would feel uncomfortable leaving my son with you. I am paying you to take care of my child, not be on the computer. If they want to watch a movie, let them, that will occupy thier attention for awhile so you can get other things done...cleaning, etc. With children you have to have patiences and a good personality (one that does not get annoyed easily). I am not saying it won't ever happen because it does, just not very often.

Answer 7

The big problem I think with babysitting is that it's just you and the kids all day. With an actual daycare, you are there with other adults. I have babysat for the last 13 years and definitley understand the irritation but like others have said, it's what you're being paid for. Try and spend time with them to meet their needs and then put in a movie while you do something you need to get done.

Answer 8

well I would never leave my Kids with you.
If they want to watch a Movie , you really should let them , unless your busy tending to another child. Ya know a Movie can keep a Kids attention pretty well, then you might have your time to check E-mail , or play a game. If you dont have any patients for other peoples kids , you should really not be a baby sitter.

Answer 9

If you are watching the kids, then your focus should be on them not on your e-mail, or a game on the computer. That is not fair to the person paying you. Play with the kids, let them play a game. Find some crafts that you can do with them. Make cookies with them, play a board game. Then, after you have entertained them, maybe put on a movie, and you can sit and relax with them, maybe read a book while they watch it.

Answer 10

sorry, but if you were my babysitter and i found out you were playing games on the computer or checking email during the time you were supposed to be caring for my kids, you wouldn't be my babysitter anymore. babysitting is a job. if you were at an office job, you wouldn't be playing games on the computer. nor should you while babysitting. go play with them or find a job that better suits you.