OK kids, let’s start with you. You want to babysit.
You want it more than anything and your parents just
won’t let you. It seems so unfair, right? They
don’t get that you can be mature and responsible.
They’re treating you like a baby and you’ve
had enough!
Hey Mom and Dad – it’s a scary time, isn’t
it? You little baby is getting so grown-up in some
ways. But in many other areas they still have a loooong
way to go! They don’t seem to get what a responsible
job babysitting is and you’re frightened for
them. What if they hit a situation they can’t
deal with? There’s no way you’re going
to put them in that position…yet.
Time Out!
Everyone has to give and take here so that a solution
may be reached. Let’s look at this from both
sides.
Child / Teen
If you want your parents to agree to what you’re
asking for – you have to know their needs first.
Why are they saying ‘no’ – did you
ever ask them without throwing a fit? The chances are
that they are worried for you. They understand how
much responsibility a babysitter takes on. Are you
ready for that responsibility? Really?
OK - How would you deal with the following babysitting
situations?
A child won’t stop crying
A child gets sick and needs a bath and their soiled
bed changing
A child cuts himself and needs sutures. His siblings
are asleep upstairs…
A child starts to choke on a peanut
See – this is why your parents worry. If you’re
not able to deal with all of those…and more,
then you’re not ready.
So What Can I Do To Learn These Things
Show your parents that you understand the job by wanting
to learn how to do it properly. There are DVD courses
available – ask them to buy you one for Christmas
or a birthday.
In the meantime…
You won’t get anywhere without communicating
properly. Slamming doors is not the way to impress
them that you’re mature enough to babysit.
You know those chores they keep asking you to do?
Do them – demonstrate that you can be disciplined
and work. And then do them without being asked – that
shows initiative. It might be dull but so is a lot
of work – do you want this or not?
Parents
Make time to discuss why you are saying ‘no’.
It won’t stop your child wanting to babysit – it
just makes them crazy. If they know why you’re
refusing, it gives them a chance to do something about
it. Kids can reason if they know what they’re
up against.
Communication is key. Kids do want to talk to you,
despite the way they behave. Take the time to get to
know your kids and let them know you – relationships
are two-way.
Support them – if they really want this, help
them to learn what they need to know.
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