I have a 4 yr old little boy that I babysit....?

Question

and plan on watching when I become a registered daycare provider (in about 3 weeks). He is the only child right now since I just started out. As of right now he is really boring and wants to do nothing but watch tv and play with his toys. His Mom says to make him do things like go outside, go for walks and such, but when I do it he starts to cry or gets tired within 20 min. I give him a nap and he's fine, but it wastes away the morning (until at least 11:00am). He is only here until 1:30 at most.

Do you have a boy (or girl) that does the same thing? Is this normal? He's up at like 5:30am with his Mom when she goes to work and doesn't fall asleep again. I'm hoping once I get more kids he will be more active etc. but I'm rly worried. I dont want a child around that wants to do nothing and flops around on the couches like there isn't anything to do. Any body else with this experience??

Answer 1

Is this child over weight? Does he do the same thing at his home? I agree it could be medical. Sounds to me like mom needs to have him seen by a DR. ASAP. Then after he gets a clean bill of health start to make a sced. of things you do during the day. Have some down time for him. He may come from a home where the parents don't play with him ( very sad) and not know how to play with adults. Some kids don't realize us older folks know how to play too. :) He might have a heart problem too. I know scary.

Answer 2

OK now does his mother bring the boys toys or are they yours ? maybe he needs time to get to know you n your house maybe hes scared or anxious .get on his level talk to him see what he likes n such .maybe he don't like outdoors what about finger-painting. sidewalk chalk,does he have ride on toys try the zoo.

Answer 3

http://howwhatwho.com

Answer 4

hey there, i do daycare as well. but i have not run into any kids that dont want to do anything like this....kinda weird,

i would just unplug the tv if it bothers you.

say it doesnt work when he is here. he is getting up early, so he could be tired, but a 4 yr old should want to go and do things.

worst case maybe he has a form of depression, or possibly something wrong, like diabetes or anemia something that would stop him from having energy.

good luck

Answer 5

I would re arrange my schedule with him. Instead of taking him up 11:00 take him out early in the morning. He seems to still need a afternoon nap wich is great beacuse if you are licenced day care you are required to lie the kids down for a nap.

so if you get him at 5:30 your scheduel should be something like this

5:30-6:00 breakfast

6:00-7:00- center time

7:00-8:00- play outside

8:00-8:30 wash up and snack

830-9:30- calander time-learing to write etc

9:30-11:00- crafts and painting-playdough messy stuff-center times etc

11:00 lunch

11:30-1:00 naptime

of course the schedule could be rearranged to your needs but you get my point...........We never would turn the TV on at the daycares I worked at except at nap times to get the kids settled down.

Answer 6

He wastes away the morning?  What is it that is so important for you to do than tend to the child you are being paid to tend to?  IF you plan on doing some form of day care you'd better have some sort of agenda to work with the children in your care or you won't become registered or licensed.  Of course he is going to cry when you take him outside, he isn't used to it, but once you CONTINUE to do so he will get used to it.  I suggest you spend less time involved with your computer and more time  doing the JOB you are getting paid to do.

Answer 7

Defiantly talk to his mom.  Suggest a Dr appt.  The anemia was a good thought.  He may be nervous if this a new situation.  Social anxiety?

But boys are different than girls, they really play different.  I have 3 boys 5, 3, and 10 mts and it is like pulling teeth to get them to sit and color (not the baby... you know what I mean).  They are just not into it.  My oldest likes board games- Trouble, Candy Land, Memory- had has just discovered card games Go Fish and Solitaire (w/ Grandpa) and building blocks

I agree to set up a schedule "This is what we do, this is when we do it." He may just sit and stare at play doh for 3 weeks, but he may catch on and learn to like it, or at least DO it.

If he likes to play by himself, give him the chance.  It may be a blessing when you have a room full of screaming kids.

And don't forget the power of praise. "That was a good walk, thanks for going w/ me, Tommy"  even if it is to get the mail and back.

Good luck!

Answer 8

Somebody has to encourage him. He wants his mama, but she has to work.....just like you. Why don't you get a set of bubbles at Wal-Mart ? Thet have all kinds of sets. Bring him outside. Then bring out the bubbles. He will like you for it ! Try the Discovery or National Geographic channel on TV if you get it. I have banned Sponge Bob Sponge Brain in my house. It's stupid.