Parents, what would you think? Am I doing okay as a babysitter? Am I just beating myself up to much?

Question

I'm in college and have been babysitting a 3 yr old for about 6 months and now a 6 week old. ever since i started babysitting them both, i feel like the parents dont think im doing a good job. The baby is colicky and cries all the time, and its frustrating, but im very patient. but it seems like every time they come home she is always crying and i feel like such a failure. The mom just comes in and scoops her up and knows what to do and makes her stop crying. i have never had a baby and have only had minimal newborn experience. but i'd say i know more than most about caring for them. I just want the parents to know that I care about their baby and 3 yr old very deeply and am trying my best to keep them happy and take care of them the best way I can. I just dont know what they think! what should i do? am i just beating myself up over nothing?

Answer 1

You're doing great!  Mom's just know that kind of thing when its their own small person crying.  Don't worry!  : >

Answer 2

I would not beat myself up over it. Of course it is not easy taking care of a 6 month old baby. Its a tough job so heads up to you that you are that patient!! Maybe you should sit down with the family and explain them how you feel and then see how they feel. Good look!!

Answer 3

Ask the mom what works for the baby.

Also, it is very possible that the mom doesn't have tricks, she's just the mom and babies know this. I've always been able to soothe my baby better than anyone else, even doing the exact same thing. (Sometimes even putting a lot less effort into it) A nice perk to me, but I imagine it gets tiresome for others... :) You're doing good.

Answer 4

I think it's typical to feel like you don't know what you're doing with someone else's new baby. The mother is constantly with them and knows what works and what doesn't. If I were you, I would just ask what to do when she is crying all the time - since her mother knows how to get her to stop obviously.

I think you are probably doing a fine job.

Answer 5

As long as you are patient with them I think its okay. Its always hard caring for someone elses baby, even if you have your own children bc every baby is different. Also, mommy will always know what to do more than anyone else, even daddy! I would tell the parents what you just put here, it's clear you care about the children otherwise you wouldn;t be here asking the Q! Tell the parents you do care very deeply for them and are being patient and hey, babies and children cry they just do all the time even when nothing is really wrong! I have an 8 month old and he will just cry and as soon as he sees my smiling face hes laughing and smiling too.  A lot of the cries are just for attention it doesnt mean something is actually wrong. And as far as colic goes, every baby gets that so it's okay just take a deep breath and give yourself a pat on the back! By the way this is my husbands account thats why its a boy avatar but I'm a woman and a mother not some creepy wierd guy!

Answer 6

Ask the mom for her tricks to soothe the baby.  You might learn something you haven't tried, and the mom will see that you are concerned and trying to do the best job you can.

Answer 7

Have you tried asking the baby's mom about this? When she gets home, scoops up her baby, and does whatever she does to help the baby stop crying, just tell her "Wow. I wish I knew as well as you do what she needs when she needs it. I guess a baby's mother always knows best. Is there anything you can share with me about how you know what the baby is crying for? Maybe I can learn how your baby communicates from you."  Sometimes mother's can pinpoint that little signal, but sometimes it's just part of their natural motherly instincts so it's hard to communicate it with other people.  

Answer 8

I would like to think that they keep having you babysit is a sign that you are doing just fine. Try to read up on colicky baby's, it might help.  

Answer 9

It all stems from their guilt of not being able to stay home with the baby.  Its a really weird psychological game that happens when you watch other people's children.  If you do really good and the kids love you, the parents get jealous, and if there is any tiny problem they blame it all on you.  If you don't have confidence they will do it all the more, because your an easy target for them to take their stress out when really they don't want you to look at the way they're pushing their kids off on you.  

Answer 10

Who gets a babysitter for a 6 week old?  I think those parents are weird.

Answer 11

youre doing better than I would. Dont be sor worried remember you dont spend as much time with the child as the parents. That is why the mother knows what to do for the baby.