My dad was supposed to watch my uncles two children, but he has to work third shift so I offered to fill in for him and I won't get paid. The kids are both boys; ages 2 1/2 and almost 5. I will be watching them at my aunt and uncles house for almost 6 hours. The thing is, both children are very active and need constant attention. I am afraid that I might not be able to give them the attention they both need since they both can walk. Does that make any sense? I would hate for something to go wrong after having these feelings knowing I didn't think I could handle it.
I'm almost 15 and have taken multiple courses for childcare. Does it sound like a reasonable request to ask my uncle & aunt if I could bring a trusted friend, whom they can approve, to help me? How do I ask without them getting the feeling that I have no clue what I am doing?
2007-12-28 17:25:58 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
I don't think there is anything wrong with taking the friend, and if your dad knows the friend, he can give your uncle the "heads up" that they are trustworthy.
with the kids you have to make boundaries clear for them. in other words, let them know they can play and have a good time, but you want them to be able to see you at all times.... especially the 2-1/2 year old. they are old enough to understand this...
i'm sure they will be happy to have you there anyway. i know it will work out fine, and it's normal to be nervous! take care and all the best. happy new year too.
2007-12-28 17:31:41 · answer #1 · answered by letterstoheather 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can understand you feeling like you want some back up, but you can do this :-) It's only 6 hours out of the day. Looking after children goes faster and smoother when you engage in an activity with them...whether it's a made up game, a kid's movie with popcorn, or let them run around outside to burn off some energy...with you right there of course - playing tag or something. Kids of all ages also love to be read stories to, turn on some music and let them go crazy dancing - with you joining in. When you take an active and positive approach, you are sure to be recommended for other babysitting jobs too :-)
2007-12-29 01:36:52 · answer #2 · answered by Dana C 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I am sure they wont have a problem with your bringing a friend. But I am also sure you probably wont have a problem with the kids either. Little's ones are usually so excited to have people over to watch them, that they will want to be with you the whole time you are there. And a 5 yr old is big enough to know how to listen and what they aren't supposed to do. I am sure you will do just fine. And having a friend there, will give you someone to talk to so you don't get too bored.
And just tell them, you friend wants to come to keep you company so you have someone your own age to talk to also. They will understand.
2007-12-29 02:04:30 · answer #3 · answered by cris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if i were you i guess i would just say that the 2 of you can keep them better occupied and can cover for each other for bathroom breaks as you are right children this young can get into something in just the amount of time it takes to pee, and so forth, make sure the friend is another girl, and you can play better games with 4 than just 3 too, although children this young should be in bed no later than 8 at the very latest, or earlier if that is what their parents want
2007-12-29 01:35:39 · answer #4 · answered by Dale T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeas, that sounds very reasonable to me . It sounds like a good idea. When I used to babysit I often bought a friend along to help if there were more than two kids. Just amke sure your Aunt and Uncle approve.
2007-12-29 01:35:35 · answer #5 · answered by shadowdog 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think they'd respect your honesty if you told them you have no clue what you are doing. That would then give them as the parents the opportunity to decide if they would feel better about having someone else watch them or if feel comfortable with you watching them on your own with their guidance or with a friend.
2007-12-29 01:35:18 · answer #6 · answered by CK 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can always ask, that is reasonable. It is still their decision.
How much experience have you had with kids that age, might be one of their questions. They may also wonder about the friend: boy or girl ("no fooling around"), and how much experience do they have.
2007-12-29 01:52:16 · answer #7 · answered by hamrrfan 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You sound very responsible to me. If I had kids, you could baby-sit them whenever you wanted. And yes, you could bring your friend.
2007-12-29 02:10:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋