~To read part 1 of “How to Deal With” click HERE~
LITTLE MISS SHY 😐
You’re baby sitting for little Kenra, a 3-year-old girl who’s new at the church. You’ve seen her in the nursery and have never gotten the chance to play or get to know her. Why? Because Kenra is super shy, constantly afraid, and never plays with the kids, nevertheless you, who stands twice her size. And now her mom asks you to babysit when she sees your flyers at the front desk. How are you going to get through to Kenra?
How to fix it: There’s no need to worry. If you give her time and space, Kenra will start to open up. Accept the job. When you first arrive at Kenra’s house, she may try to run away or hide from you at first. You may feel she dislikes you, but likely she’s just scared or really shy. Let her mom know that you are fine staying with her (she may notice you feel uneasy). Once the mother leaves, go get Kenra. Invite her to sit in your lap or ask her if she would like to be held (this makes a child feel comfortable and safe) or offer a hug. She may or may not accept, but if she doesn’t don’t worry. Stay by her side, no matter where she goes or tries to escape, letting her know that your there for her. Every once in while, keep offering hugs or being held. Constantly offer toys to play with. If you are baby sitting other children, don’t forget about them, but always keep an eye on Kenra. But- let’s face it. Kenra needs her own space. Don’t crowd around her for long periods of time- it will only scare her more. But you need to keep an eye on her. If she’s curled up in the corner of the living room, make a place on the couch and watch some tv. Pretend like you don’t know Kenra’s there. Maybe eventually, she’ll come and sit by you! *information based on the own experiences and knowledge of the babysitters here at BSB. Written by Madeline.
MR. POOPY DIAPER :O
You’re baby-siting 2-year-old Gabe. He’s cute, friendly, happy and your favorite client. That’s when a stench fills the air. You recognize the awful scent—and it’s not just gas. Gabe pooped. And you’ve never changed a diaper.
How to fix it: Don’t panic–but you can’t leave Gabe with a poopy diaper for another hour and a half. Walk up to him and ask him calmly, “Did you make a poopy?” Make sure you don’t sound threatening–let him know it’s OK if he did. Most of the time, kids will respond “yes” when asked this question and they know it. Pat him bottom just to make sure that it’s poop. When you know, bring him to the changing table and pull off his pants. Never leave a child alone at the changing table: he could roll and fall off! Make sure you have all of the supplies needed before starting. For instructions written by our Bungaloo Babysitter Abby, click HERE. If it helps, bring along a printed copy of the instructions if you are baby-sitting a child with diapers.
NOTE: If the child is old enough to use the toilet (usually 2 or 3 years old) and wants to try, let him/her. If it’s a boy, help him aim and if it’s a girl, she may need help being lifted up onto the toilet seat. Lots of kids use training toilets around this age; ask a parent about these. If a child successfully “goes” on the toilet, congratulate him and reward him with a treat. If he didn’t go but sat on the toilet, congratulate him for trying.
*information based on the own experiences and knowledge of the babysitters here at BSB. Written by Madeline.
LITTLE MISS HUNGRY 😛
You are baby-sitting Amelia, a 4 year old girl whom you’ve just started baby-sitting. It’s your second time, and in the middle of putting together a puzzle with her and her brother, she complains she is hungry. You’ve never had to feed her before, and your stumped. Her twin brother agrees, and now you face having to feed some hungry twins. But what, especially since you don’t know about allergies.
How to fix it: A lot of times, parents won’t keep food in the house that their child can’t eat, but to be on the safe side, ask the child’s parents about allergies. Then ask them what to do if a child complains that she is hungry. If the parents say to not let the child have food, then tell the child, “It’s not time to eat just yet. Later you’ll have dinner with your mommy and daddy.” If the parents say to feed the child if they ask, ask what would be some appropriate snacks. They may give you a list of foods, or say, “Whatever in the pantry is fine”. Even if they say this, it’s not professional to feed the kids junk food. Look for healthier foods, such as fruit, turkey on a small bagel, peanut butter and jelly, yogurt, etc. Make it fun, like cutting bread into shapes, or letting the child help you make a delicious fruit salad. For a treat, add a cookie or a small scoop of ice cream. The parents will be happy that you chose healthy choices for the child.
*NOTE: It’s important to ask the parents about serving sweets to the child or giving them candy. This is great, especially when the child deserves a treat, but make sure the parents are OK with it.
*information based on the own experiences and knowledge of the babysitters here at BSB. Written by Madeline.
*we, here at BSB, do not own pictures above. no copyright intended. credits to google.