I'm a babysitter & I need some opinions?

Question

I'm babysitting my cousins [3 & 8] monday-friday, 645am-130pm for a few weeks this summer.

I did one week in June, and now I'm doing 3 weeks together [the first one started this week].

I actually have quite a few questions.

I've been babysitting them for years now & i've never really seen this side before.

The 3 year old always demands something, you know;

"get me some milk"

"get me something to eat"

"put this away for me"

etc.. & I guess my sister [who babysits sometimes] told him to start saying please, and I agree with that and all, but that just seems like he's demanding in a more nicer way.

I was him to asking for things, or just getting up & getting it himself.

am I wrong in this?

& when I tell him to ask nicely he just asks in snotty, sarcastic tone.

I don't know what I can do to get him to see that I am not a personal servant. Yes, I am babysitting, but i'm not a servant.

Answer 1

Well, you are the babysitter, so you have to get the child what he needs at that age. Maybe you could try talking to the mom about how he talks to you so that she can talk to him about it and when he does that, you can say, what did your mom say about that?

about the outside thing, just don't make it an option. just be like come on, let's go outside for a little bit as opposed to do you want to go outside? this way, it is not their decision and they will most likely listen to you.

best wishes and hope this helps!!!

Answer 2

1 - Tell the child "If you don't ask nicer...you are not getting it." Sometimes it's great to put your foot down. If you don't want them to have it and they say "please" or beg or bat their eyes....stick with NO and put it away....walk away. Sometimes they will get mean....if they do....follow through with the naughty chair and do not buckle.

* Don't ask. Tell him "Please, pick up your toys or you will go on the naughty chair." Most of the time they will listen or test you. If they test you....follow through with what ya said and walk away.*

Answer 3

If they say it snotty don't do it. If they want it so bad they will say it the way you want them to. You shouldn't be putting there things away make them help. And if they want something to eat have them help out. but if they don't ask nice don't get it for them because if they want it bad enough they will ask nicer.

Answer 4

Well honestly if you are babysitting you are getting paid to get things for the kids, bottom line. 3 is way to young to expect him to get it himself, help him do it but not by himself. And he should say please etc. but you are there to care for the kids and that would include getting them a drink and something to eat. As far as putting something away I would tell him he was big enough to do it on his own. If his dad tells him get it himself that is one thing he is a parent and not being paid to take care of him. He is 3, do you realize how young that is? Ask your mom if she still got you drinks at 3 I guartantee you the answer is yes. You are learning a good lesson about motherhood at times you feel like a servant, be sure you thank your own mom and dad for all they do for you. have you ever said "where is my favorite shirt" or something similar? It happens at all ages.