Babysitting Issues...

Have you tried to talk to there parents & let them know what is going on. Or maybe try a reward system. If they behave you give them something or thay have to get so many points to get something or maybe they will get a special privilage. If they don't behave take something away or take a point away twords what they are trying for. Show a board on the wall so they can see who is doing what.

Hi K.! My name is K.,I'm a stay-at-home mom too. I also babysit to help make ends meet. I've been home babysitting for 11 years now,my son is 13 and I have 2 foster children. I totally understand what it's like to have "those days" with the kids. As a babysitter your options are very limited as far as punishment goes,so that can be quite frustrating at times. I would suggest making a chart to reward them for good behavior. Make a chart that will follow your daily routine with the kids. Example: 8:00-breakfast,8:30-clean up,9:00 play time,9:30 clean up time,10:00-arts/crafts. this will help them fall into a nice routine and you can reward them for their behavior during these activities. If they earn the x amount of stickers that you desire,you can let them pick out a prize. You can make a prize box with items from the dollar store or something.If they chose to dis-obey during these activities...no prize. Once they see the other children getting the prize they will want to join in. I have found that a possitive tone sets the day. If you encourage good behavior like, "Hey john that was awesome how you followed directions,thank you so much for being such a great listener!" You will see them doing all kinds of things to please you. It sounds silly but I'm telling you they will totally change the attitude.If they become totally out-of-hand than place them in "time-out" somewhere away from the group. 1 minute per age: if 2 yrs old then 2 minutes. I know it's frustrating, but hang in there. Good luck!

I'd conference w each mom and tell them your concerns. A real day care center would do that, and so would their school! The parents need to be made aware. My day care called me one time when my kid mouthed off to a worker and some other kids. Are you in a position where you could find other clients if somebody left or was expelled? I wouldn't threaten unless you could do that since you are trying to support yourself and keep a business going. I would explain to the mom's that kids' cooperation comes down to safety...When you have a big enough group there needs to be some limits, order and structure...as they would have in a school or pre-school or day care center. This is your home and you are entitled to respect from these kids. P.

There is a book called 1-2-3 Magic. It works better than ANYTHING I have ever done. I have tried lots... my kids are stubborn and tell me the same thing. Most importantly you FOLLOW through with the consequence which can be challenging. But once my kids figured out I would sit on them if I had to , so they stayed in time out....they don't challenge anymore and do what I ask by saying 1 and maybe sometimes I have to take it to 2 now.

Blessings.
M.

The first thing you should do, if you haven't already, is speak to their parents. They must step up to the plate and take responsibility for their children. It's not your job to teach them core values/lessons. Even though, sadly, this is what a lot of sitters end up doing.

If that doesn't work, as previously mentioned, I would offer a reward chart of some kind so they can actually *see* the reward coming.

And then of course a last resort would be telling the parents you can't watch the kids anymore until they learn to respect you.

Good luck! Discplining others' children is a challenge!

As a sitter there is little you can do within the law, i use time outs here for the kids i sit for as well as for my own kids, i've been luckey so far and have really good kids here but because tehy ae not mine there are always things that they do that i don't care for or that i wouldn't allow my children to do. All of those children are old enough to understand that this is how we act at K.'s house regardless of how they act at home, I would have a conference with each of their parents with them there and explain what is going on and keep a chart posted where parents can view it to track behavior and always inform the parent at the end of the day as to any problems. There may be things that work for them at home that you aren't aware of or a good talk from dad could help. also teh more structure you provide throughout the day, i have a schedual i follow that includes outdoor time and quiet play and nap times, the more likely you will be able to control these kids, when kids get bored they are much more difficult. good luck.

ok i dont know if you have ever watched nanny 911, but i like it! start a chair for when they are bad. dont yell, no matter how bad you want to!!!! they love that! i take it that you know alot about kids so im sure you know that much. stick to your disipline that you choose. ok now the chair and how it works in case you dont know. when they are bad you put them on the chair and explaine that they have to sit there for x amount of time(normally there age) then when time is up you ask them to explain what they did wrong. if they are still fighting with you just keep putting them in the chair. it may be hard at first but they will give in i promise. another thing you might need to do is talk to thier moms and tell them whats going on. if you feel that you cant handle them no more then you have to just tell her what she isnt seeing and if they care they will try to fix those kids. lol! well best of luck!!!

Stand your ground. If they smart off to you send them to a room by thenselves. If they don't help with something, then take away a privilege suck as tv or playing outside. Let them know you are not there mom it is your house and your rules. I have 4 kids and they have many friends here all the time. All there friends know to obey my rules or suffer the consequences. And they love coming here for that. secretly they need rules and structure but probably won't admit it. If all else fails tell them the next step is to talk to mom and dad (if possible) and then if that doesn't work thet will have to find someone else to watch them. Most kids love there sitters and woul not want to have to break in a new one.