Babysitting kids of a different race?

Question

i know america is a white people mainstream society. i'm asian(new to America actually) and babysitting a few white kids of grade school age. They are very obedient actually, Sometimes I can't decide whether i should tell them to do something or not, i am afraid of saying too much. since i heard, white kids have a very strong character and dont like people tell them to do something. Is that true? i also felt like doing more for them since their parents were paying me. if i sat there just watching them, is that ok?

Answer 1

well best would be to check with their parents so you know what they expect from you. myself when i baby sat i would play with the kids rather than simply watch them, i also would make sure they cleaned up their toys when finished playing, i would never teach them manners or rights/wrongs i think you should just enforce what you see the parents doing, it isn't a sitter's responsibility to do these things and it could cause problems if your teaching differ from the parents... i also sat for children of a different race & religion so i had to tread carefully a time or 2 around those issue, particulary relgion.

Answer 2

White kids, like any color kids, have their own personalities and aren't easily generalizable.

If you're babysitting, don't hesitate to ask them to do things that they ought to be doing (behave well, help set the table, do their homework, etc.).  But I wouldn't want a babysitter who was always "just watching."  Let them play; let them be responsible; but also be engaging.  Talk to them, ask questions, get involved in their games to some extent if it seems like they want you to be.

Answer 3

well it depends. they have white people that are just plane out a jack ***, some of them are nice but can kinda be racis, and some of them just don't care as long as you are nice and polite to them.

Answer 4

White kids/people are just the same as asain/black etc. people. Some of us dislike being told what to do, others don't mind being told what to do, we all have our personalities and its all to do with how we are bought up ; so please don't assume that white children dislike being told what to do, because some do and some don't. You can just label an entire race like that, because everyone is different!

As for suggestions, play games with the children!

They will enjoy that & you are doing something.

You could also do some cooking and maybe some beading?

good luck!

Answer 5

Well, I'm white and I place LOTS of boundaries on the kids I watch. All kids, regardless of race, need discipline. No kids like people to tell them to do something--some are just better about obeying and not complaining than others. You need to play with them and engage them in activities, as opposed to just sitting there. I know that if I babysat and just sat there, I'd lose my job quickly. Parents in America love sitters who are outgoing, enthusiastic, happy, and really engaged in the activity of being with your kids. Cook, bake, do art projects, play in the hose, take them to the library, etc. Don't let them sit and watch tv or play on the computer all day. Parents are very open to letting you do fun activities with the kids because they know their kids are well cared for and are having fun, although they have rules. Talk to the parents and ask them how they want their kids disciplined, and what constitutes the need for discipline at their house. That way, you know exactly what's expected of you.

Answer 6

Race is irrelevant.  You are the adult/person in charge, so you tell them to do something if you think it's appropriate.  All kids have a strong character and many don't like people telling them what to do (who does?), but as the caretaker, you are allowed to tell them what to do and they should respect you.  Whether you just sit there and watch them or find activities to do really depends on what the parents expect of you.  Good luck.