How do you punish an 8 yr old child i babysit who acts 5? Timeouts? naps to cool down?

Question

How do you punish an 8 yr old child i babysit who acts 5? Timeouts? naps to cool down?

Answer 1

Babysitters should not punish with any sort of physical contact, but rather with taking away a privilege that the child's parents agree upon.  How bad can it be anyway? Children are children and deserve to act like children until they get where we are and suffer through life. Their lives should ALWAYS be fun and entertaining and never controlled so much that they cannot be themselves and have child like fuin... to a degree of course.

Answer 2

tell the child how their behaviour makes you feel, eg sad, disappointed, angry.

i wouldn't do anything more than timeout - that is tell the child that the particular behaviour in not acceptable, so they will need to stay in the laundry/bathroom to think about it (never more than 5 mins.)

buy some stickers or a stamp to give the child whenever they behave well and tell them why they deserve the reward.

distraction is the best way to avoid punishment - eg look at photo's;  go for a walk;  put on some music and dance; give the child a list of things to find (eg a green leaf, a stone, a piece of paper, etc);  play 'eye spy'........etc

Answer 3

First, as his babysitter, it's not your responsibility to "punish" him.  Secondly, you really need to direct this particular question to his parents.  If they don't give you the information that you need to deal with their child, or if the child simply refuses to behave around you, then don't babysit for him anymore.

Generally, 8 year olds listen to reason pretty well. He could be acting out because he's bored--give him something fun to do, or better yet, do it with him (I don't mean to assume anything about you, but many babysitters don't actually play with the kids they're watching. ) He could just be testing you---to see how you react to certain behaviors, or to see how much he get away with around you.  Or, he could have some more serious issues. Maybe a few more details about his behavior might get you some better answers.

Answer 4

That's what kids do....they experiment with being older, or younger, to redefine themselves as they age. It really is inappropriate to punish them for doing so. In addition, children usually only act that way when they want attention, and they'll take negative attention over none at all.

If it is annoying, then you need to explain that and offer an alternative. The child should be busy enough that he doesn't have time to annoy you, start by offering  games, crafts, etc. Go outside and explore with him/her. Have him help you make a snack. Go to www.millsberry.com and have him play some games online. Anything.

Answer 5

He's testing you. He wants to fine "your line" and see how close to it he can get. First make sure what is and is not acceptable punishment to his parents. Second make a list of what punishments, increasing in seriousness you intend to take with him, and third post them on the fridge or somewhere he can easily see them. Then, invite him in and just explain to him that since he obviously needs guidance understanding what is and is not acceptable and what consequences will happen you and he will go over the list together. Also, be sure and encourage and reward good behavior with him as well. Compliment his pluses and encourage cooperation. Don't beat a dead horse on issues, once he is punished let it go.

Possible punishments:

Loss of computer.

Loss of TV.

Time out, alone in quiet room.

Loss of playtime.

If he stays at night, early bedtime.

Report to mom and dad for loss of bedtime (if they are in agreement and you believe they will/do follow through).

Writing 50 sentences: "I will not hit" or " I will not talk back." (my kids hate that one.

Rewards for good behavior:

Extra computer or TV.

Special candy treat.

Choice of a movie to watch.

Reward from a reward box (keep happy meal toys, etc. in it).

Other extra privileges you know he wants.

A positive note to parents or compliment to the parents at pick-up.