Reposting what to do with 7mth old?

Question

I just took a babysitting job but the baby is not very good natured. He screams all day long....I know he is teething...but My gosh! I don't ever remember my son being this fussy...it dosent matter what i do....ive tried tylenol, orajel, frozen teething rings, unflavored baby snacks etc....I dont know what else to do...I don't want his mom to think Im incapable of taking care of him but I am pregnant and haven't had any naps this week because of this baby, and to top it all off, when I finally do get him to sleep, his mom stops in for lunch and wakes him up! The only time hes quiet is when im holding him. so im wondering if its teething or just spoiled? I watch him full time and only charge $150mth but Im beginning to think it isnt even worth it...what do you think? any tips,ideas, or suggestions? I don't think he is cholicy because he shows no signs except just fussy...I want to ask for more money for this but I dont wanna seem like a you know what. I thought this would be easier than going to work full time because I am high risk pregnancy but i still need the money...what do i do????

Answer 1

OK....FIRST THING.....you only charge $150 a MONTH?  Are you kidding?  If you are watching him full-time...do you mean 40 hours a week or more?  You should be charging at least $3/hour, so you should be charging $120/WEEK (at $3/hour).  Ummm.....NO...that is NOT worth it if you are only getting $150/month.

So...look up others in your area and see what they charge.  Call some child care centers and see what it would be for him to go there....I bet it's a lot.

Now...for the little guy.  I think it's a combination of factors.  Teething is one...but he shouldn't cry for the whole day.  He probably has some separation anxiety too.  He knows you are not his mom.  I would absolutely put your foot down about the mom coming in and waking him up.  When he is in your care....it's your rules.

Yes, he may be a bit spoiled, but you will have to hold him for a bit until he gets over the separation anxiety and then, hopefully, things will get better.

But first of all.....you need to be making a LOT MORE MONEY in order for it to be worth the stress to you.

Good luck!

Answer 2

He is probably just spoiled... I would ask her to not stop in at lunch as it disrupts his adjustment time. I'm sorry you are having a rough time. I dealt with that with my nephew when I was watching him man was that a hard task... Try finding more toys that can grab his interest... I know its hard cause ur not his mom. But, my suggestion is to ask her to not stop in on lunch and if she does not to wake him up. He probably isn't getting the sleep that he needs and is crabby. Good Luck..

Answer 3

you only charge $150 a month???  most people get that at least a week for child care.. you should ask for more.. also talk to the baby's mom about his fussiness. She could have some tips for you or trigger her to get the baby checked out. He could have an ear infection or something.

Answer 4

First off I run a daycare out of my home and I charge 125 week for a child that age. He's not colicy because that generaly stops around 3 months. You need to make small adjustments with him, my daughter was super clingy and it sucked I couldn't get anything done. Make sure your following a routine, tell her not to wake that boy up when she stops in. Kids have more trouble sleeping when their sleep deprived. Also ASK FOR MORE MONEY, and if she has a problem then s***w her she will NEVER find it that cheap, and when your stressed and prego thats not good for you or your baby. Put yourself before them, and  if she doesn't want to pay more then end the job and put an ad up on craigslist, you will find someone else to watch for more money. Thats how I found all the kids I babysit. Just tell her that you where talking to someone who watches kids to and that the price was alot different and in order for it to be fair then you need more. When you make the adjustments with the kid just put him on the couch or give him a toy whatever and let him have more and more alone time everyday. If he crys well let him for 5 or so minutes, don't let up it will get better in a couple of days. Just because he's a baby doesn't mean he doesn't know how to test an adult and find out how far he can push them. Good luck. Remember no matter how bad you need the money you and your babies health is so much more important, and you will be able to find money else where!!  

Answer 5

I have a hotsling and it is good for babies up to 35 pounds, my daughter is almost 11 months old and i carry her around all the time. It would deff. help you out!  I would charge more also it sounds like your being taken advantage of..

Answer 6

How long have you been watching him.  IF it has only been a few days or a few weeks..... give it a little time for him to adjust.  He may just be experiencing seperation aniexty.... and adjusting to his new surrondings.  Babies around 7-10 months can develop a very close bond to there parents.  When they are not with them.... the will become VERY difficult.     Sounds like you are doing everything right as far as easing the teething pain.  Not much else you can do in that aspect.  

Hopefully when he becomes more familiar with you and your home.... he will begin to become more relaxed and adjust better.  

You said you a high risk pregnancy.... so maybe this is out of the question...... but I would try a walk to put him down for his naps.  I know when my son goes through boughts of teething.... walks are a great way to settle them down.  I know when babies go without the nap they need..... they become even more difficult to make happy.  I know my son turns into a MONSTER if he misses a nap.    

I am sure you have tried different toys and either walkers or saucers or such to amuse him.  If not.... try giving him an half an hour or soooo in one of those.  Its a great way to amuse babies and also tired them out pretty fast.  

Other then that.... I would give him a little more time to adjust to you.... and if that doesn't seem to do the trick.... then you may have to rethink your babysitting situation.  You say you have had a baby before.... so its not like you are new to this.... I am sure you have been trying everything.  If things don't get better.... then you may need to let him go.  A 150 dollars a month is a steal for the h**l it sounds like you have been going through.  If it doesn't get better.... you will need to put your needs above helping this mother..... after all.... you have your own baby to think of first.  Best of luck to you.  

Answer 7

ask for more money and use a sling to keep him in your arms when he cry's.

Answer 8

Most child care programs cost 30 to 35 dollors a day for a child under the age of 16 months. A fulltime baby sitter makes more than that a month! Now days you pay a babysitter about 2 to 3 dollars an hour per child! You really do need to ask her for more money because it's very wearing on you I'm sure. Yes, do ask the baby's mother for any suggestions because a 7 month old really can't be too spoiled yet. Just go about your day as if he was your own child and he will soon adapt. If there are no reasons for him to be that fussy he should adapt within 2 weeks at the most. But make sure you get paid for your job!!! :)