← Older posts

10 Common Ways Kids Make Other Kids Cry

Posted on February 21, 2012 by admin

Even though it’s difficult for any parent, hurt feelings and minor injuries are part of growing up for every child. When tears are the result of another child’s influence, it can be even more painful to witness; here are ten of the ways that children often make each other cry.

  1. Teasing – Once considered a normal, if unpleasant, part of childhood, emotional bullying has become an issue of national focus. While most parents agree that this behavior is wrong and hurtful, there are still those holdouts who refuse to stop the taunting and teasing their children inflict on their peers.
  2. Physical Bullying – Much like teasing, the recent emphasis on bully prevention has led many schools to crack down on such behavior. Zero tolerance policies have become the norm in most public schools, but that doesn’t always stop the more determined bullies. Being injured by a tormentor, especially in the presence of his or her peers, is a humiliating experience that almost always reduces a child to tears.
  3. Stealing – Despite a parent’s best efforts to instill a sense of generosity and teach the importance of sharing, some kids struggle with the concept. When a favorite object is forcibly removed from a child by one of his or her playmates, they tend to express their anger through tears.
  4. Scary Stories – More often than not, the scary tales that children pass along are intended to be spooky, but fun. The teller of the story generally doesn’t expect to inspire real fear in their friends, but it can happen. Nightmares that result from a ghost story marathon almost always end in sobs.
  5. Intimidation – Threats can be just as painful as actual physical injury, and most bullies know this. Resorting to intimidation tactics keeps kids from violating zero-tolerance violence policies, while still allowing them to assert dominance over other children. When a child is afraid of being assaulted, fighting back tears can be difficult.
  6. Accidental Injuries – Youth-league sports, gym class or even schoolyard play can lead to inadvertent injuries. Colliding with another kid or being hit by a baseball might be accidental, but it still smarts; tears might be unavoidable.
  7. Ostracism – There generally are no rules stating that kids have to be inclusive, which means that there’s always at least one child in the group that doesn’t fit in or isn’t well liked. Being picked last for sports teams, passed over for birthday party invitations or sitting alone at lunchtime can all hurt a socially-inept child, who may wear a brave face in front of their peers but have a breakdown at home.
  8. Tattling – Some kids tattle because they’re genuinely invested in abiding by the rules and being sure that others do the same. Others do it specifically to get another child in trouble, whether or not the child actually committed the offense they’ve been accused of. Being reprimanded or facing disciplinary action for something that they didn’t do is an upsetting situation for any child; crying out of sheer frustration is a common response.
  9. Pranks – Well-intended pranks are part of the way that some groups of children operate, and typically aren’t a problem. However, sometimes these pranks go too far or target a child that’s not part of the group, and end in hurt feelings.
  10. Being Too Honest – Anyone with kids knows that there’s just no predicting what they’ll say. Without realizing that it’s unacceptable, they might call a heavier person “fat,” point out physical flaws or say something that, while perfectly honest, is hurtful. Adults can usually shrug these things off, at least on the surface, but a delicate child is likely to react by becoming upset.

Children make each other cry in so many ways; sometimes they’re truly unintentional, but that’s not always the case. If you suspect that your child is a bully, or is a victim of bullying, it’s important to take action immediately.

Posted in Babysitting Jobs | Leave a comment

10 Great Birthday Party Ideas for Toddlers

Posted on February 21, 2012 by admin

Throwing a birthday party for your toddler is a great excuse to let your inner child run wild; brightly colored cake, festive decorations and balloons delight young and old alike. These ten themes are surefire party hits for the little one in your life!

  1. Character Themed Party – The characters of kid’s shows and movies are always a popular choice for birthday party themes. If your little one has a favorite character in particular, it’s a great way to personalize the experience for the pint-sized guest of honor.
  2. Destination Party – Destination parties are also a popular choice because they allow kids to visit a fun-filled locale and keep the mess to a minimum for busy parents. These facilities often have birthday party packages that include most or all of the supplies as well as space rental.
  3. Under the Sea Themed Party – Kids are fascinated by sea creatures, which makes the Under the Sea theme a perennial favorite. Decorations and supplies that fit this theme are always easy to find, and will wow little guests.
  4. Arts and Crafts Party – Most little ones have a wide creative streak; catering to it with an arts and crafts themed party is sure to create a memorable experience for the birthday boy or girl and all of their buddies.
  5. Circus Themed Party – Bringing the excitement of the circus to your child’s birthday party can be as simple or as elaborate as time and budgets allow. Hiring a clown who’s skilled with balloon animals is almost always more than enough to keep kids enraptured.
  6. Magical Themed Party – With the popularity of fantasy films and television shows, magical themed birthday parties are in high demand. Local directories can help you locate an illusionist for the event; these professionals can tailor their act to your child’s age group.
  7. Farm Themed Party – Country dwellers and urban babies alike are sure to be thrilled with a farm-themed party; the decorating and game options are almost endless with this down-home delight.
  8. Tea Party Theme – If your little princess loves  to dress up and throw tea parties for their dolls and stuffed animals; why not arrange a larger-scale version for her special day? Encouraging frilly dress and serving dainty desserts will enchant your little darling.
  9. Costume Party – Kids of all ages love costumes, including the toddler set. It’s also a great way to keep kids engaged on a budget; all you have to do is provide the refreshments and neutral decorations. The kids will do the rest themselves!
  10. Zoo or Safari Theme – Animals are always a hit with children; the more exotic the better. If there isn’t a zoo nearby or the season prevents throwing your toddler’s party there, the next best thing is safari or zoo themed décor!

Online retailers can have a wider variety of available themes or party supplies than brick and mortar stores with display constraints. A quick search can point you in the right direction; browsing their selection might even give you ideas you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.

Posted in Babysitting Jobs | Leave a comment

10 Bedtime Stories Parents Love

Posted on February 19, 2012 by admin

It’s the end of the day, desert has been served, teeth have been brushed and now it’s time to take your little one to bed. Bedtime stories are a time where a parent can escape with their child to a far off place. Here are 10 books that parents love to read:

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein- A book about a young boy and his relationship with a tree and it’s progression over the years. This one will definitely tug at your heart.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown- A sweet bedtime story about a bunny on his way to falling asleep. The soft words and delicate rhymes are almost like a lullaby for children.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak- A classic that most parents read as child about a misbehaving boy named Max and his made up world. If the story doesn’t capture your child’s attention the graphics will, the artwork is beautiful.

Ferdinand the Bull by Munro Leaf- One of the older classics, this tale is about a bull that would rather enjoy the little things in life than fight with other bulls. A great life lesson for your children on staying true to oneself than doing what others think you should be doing.

Guess How Much I love You by Sam McBratney- A baby bunny and a daddy bunny show each other how much they love each other by sweetly battling who loves the other more.  Some bunny loves you.

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams- An adored classic of a toy rabbit’s search to become real with the love of his little boy owner is an everlasting, cherished story. Your kid will be holding his/her stuffed animal a little tighter tonight.

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch- Your child may not understand why this book causes you to tear up, but a parent does. A mother sings the same lullaby to her child through years, only to have the child return the same lullaby many years later.

How Does A Dinosaur Say Goodnight? By Jane Yolen- This book is about a silly and colorful little dinosaur that catches the flu and needs to rest.  A very light-hearted and fun read for your little one before bedtime.

Are you my Mother? By P.D. Eastman- A story about a baby bird that is hatched while his mother is away from the nest. Throughout the book, the baby bird sets out to find his mother asking all walks of life “Are you my mother?” A great read for your youngest.  Show More Show Less

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle: A colorful book about a little caterpillar eating his way through the book to become a big and beautiful butterfly. This is a simple and short read to get your child in bed, asleep and fast.

So grab a few of these classics and read them to your little one. You will be surprised that your childhood favorites will become your child’s beloved. Start reading and don’t forget not to let the bed bugs bite!

Posted in Babysitting Jobs | Comments Off

10 Dangerous Toys Kids Can’t Help But Love

Posted on February 13, 2012 by admin

The safety of children used to be primarily the concern of the parents. Today, toy makers have to be more concerned with the safety of their toys than they were in the past. Toys are made with warning labels to protect the manufacturers from liability if parents allow them to be used inappropriately. Some toys that kids love the best also happen to have a measure of danger involved with their use. Here are ten of them that are very popular. 

  1. Skateboards – The simple fact that skateboards are operated on concrete brings the possibility of injury to a high level with this very popular item. Scraped knees, elbows and hands are the minimal injuries that can be sustained by the novice or even expert skateboarder. Broken bones and concussions are at the further end of the spectrum of possibilities.
  2. Slingshots – Little boys have been slinging rocks with slingshots since Biblical times. The story of David killing the giant Goliath with a sling and stones has been an inspiration to many would-be giant slayers and the cause of a few broken window panes, as well.
  3. Trampolines – What’s more fun than bouncing into the air on a trampoline? Beds aren’t made for jumping on, Mom always told us, but trampolines are. Unfortunately, their height off the ground and the unpredictability of the direction a bounce might take can mean landings on hard ground, which is a lot harder on human body parts than the mat of the trampoline.
  4. Lawn Darts – This outdoor game is great competition and easy for almost anyone to participate in. At the same time, large pointed metal objects being tossed through the air is a description that has been used of dangerous weapons for centuries. Although injury isn’t the intent, it most certainly can happen if these ‘game pieces’ make contact with a body of flesh while sailing across the lawn.
  5. Pogo stick – A bouncing stick, just like the trampoline is a lot of fun. Like the skateboard, you do need a smooth hard surface to operate this toy on, which can make for hard landings if you fall. Most injuries from pogo sticks, however, have been as a result of kids trying to use them on surfaces that aren’t flat, such as going down steps or an incline.
  6. Sleds – This simple form of winter fun is another item that has been used by kids as long as there has been snow and hills. Sleds come in many varieties: From the small round saucer to the long toboggans to inflatable tubes. The danger that comes with these fun toys is the amount of speed that can build up during a slide down the hill and the inability to steer away from objects or people that come into your path.
  7. Scooters – The scooter could be described as a skateboard with a handle, though scooters are usually much narrower than a skateboard. Again, it is the speed combined with the concrete or asphalt surface that scooters are ridden on that create the danger of injury.
  8. BB Guns – In reality, this item should not really be classified as a toy, though many people have listed it as such for many years. In spite of how small the metal pellets are that are shot through these small guns, they are capable of doing injury to people and property.
  9. Bicycles – There are very few kids who haven’t owned and ridden a bicycle during their lifetime. Bicycles are also used for adult transportation, so it is hard to think of them as being dangerous in any way, but they can be. Bicycles can easily swerve into the path of a car when riding along a street or highway. BMX bike riding carries even more risks as riders fly over jumps and drive at high speeds around a dirt track.
  10. Baseball bats – There is more than one picture in a family album of a little kid with a shiny black eye that was received either from the swing of a bat itself or a baseball that came flying off the end of a bat. Many windows have been replaced also, after a ball was batted in the wrong direction out in the yard.

Yes, there are still plenty of ways that kids can hurt themselves and others or damage property, while playing with seemingly harmless simple objects. We can’t protect them from everything, and we certainly don’t want to protect them from the fun to be had with most of the items on this list.

Posted in Babysitting Jobs | Comments Off

10 Pranks Kids Seem to Always Pull in Movies

Posted on February 12, 2012 by admin

Kids and teenagers in film are notorious pranksters; whether the target is an adult or another student, there are no shortage of practical jokes in cinematic history. From the well-intended joke to the humiliating stunts of movie bullies, here are ten of the classic film pranks kids pull.

  1. Short Sheeting a Bed – A staple of boarding school and summer camp movies, the act of short sheeting a bed makes the surface look perfectly normal, until the target attempts to get in and finds that they can’t extend their legs.
  2. The Falling Bucket – The contents of the bucket can vary, but it’s almost always placed over a door so that an unsuspecting victim attempts to enter the room and finds themselves coated in the substance of a prankster’s choosing. Popular choices include water, flour and even blood in the horror classic Carrie.
  3. Flaming Bag on the Porch – Films that rely on gross-out humor often include this perennial favorite; a bag of excrement is placed on a porch and set aflame, then the doorbell rings. The victim’s first instinct is to stomp on the fire, leaving them with a foul surprise on their feet.
  4. Ding-Dong Ditch – Ringing a doorbell and then running away to hide is known as “Ding-Dong Ditch,” and is a staple in the bag of kid tricks. For maximum effect, the process is repeated several times to the growing frustration of the target.
  5. Shaving Cream and Feathers – Sleepovers, summer camp and boarding school films often feature this standby; a sleeping victim’s hand is filled with shaving cream, then pranksters use a feather to tickle the sleeper’s nose, leaving them with a face full of shaving cream when they bat the feather away mid-slumber.
  6. Hand in a Bowl of Water – Another prank perpetrated against an unsuspecting, sleeping victim is placing their hand in a bowl of warm water. Film lore states that the victim will wet the bed as a result.
  7. Toilet Papering Houses – Petty vandalism is another staple of kid and teen cinema, with the toilet-papered house being one of the more popular variations. Within a short scene, young characters are able to wreak paper-covered havoc on a lawn and home.
  8. The Wedgie – Film bullies for decades have been fans of the Wedgie; this humiliating and painful tactic is usually a plot device that indicates the mean spirit of a character in order to inspire viewer sympathy for the tormented kid, who will inevitably rise up and get revenge on their tormentor.
  9. The “Kick Me” Note – A slapstick variation on the embarrassing bully prank, youth-cinema protagonists can often be seen walking unsuspectingly down school hallways with a “Kick Me” sign taped to their back. Laughter follows him or her until they discover the sign; on occasion, this discovery will prompt their vow of revenge.
  10. Shoe-Lacing – Falling asleep in a movie classroom opens one up for this slapstick prank; a clueless victims shoelaces are tied together; when they wake up and attempt to walk away, the restraining laces cause them to lose their balance and tumble to the ground.
Posted in Babysitting Jobs | Comments Off

10 Embarrassing Moments That Happen in Front of Your Kids

Posted on February 8, 2012 by admin

There’s something about a humiliating moment that seems amplified if your children are present. Our faces burn a little bit hotter when the kids witness our less-than-stellar moments, but it’s an inevitable part of life and also of parenthood. Here are ten of the moments that we all wish our children wouldn’t see.

  1. Fight With the Spouse – Arguing with your spouse can be embarrassing enough on it’s own; add a room full of pint-size spectators, and it becomes an adventure in mortification.
  2. Drinking Too Much – Even the most conscientious parents can have one tipple too many on a festive occasion, leading to some silly behavior. Kids that accidentally witness your not-so-sober antics can make for an even more embarrassing morning after.
  3. Hangover – If you managed to slip past the kids when you had one too many drinks, you’re not out of the woods until you’ve ridden out the next day’s payback. Feeling sick and looking like roadkill is just the icing on an embarrassing cake.
  4. Slips and Falls – Trips, spills, falls and slips can do more damage to our pride than our bodies. Taking a header when you’re trying to show off is even worse; kids will scream with laughter as you struggle to keep the shreds of your dignity intact.
  5. Scolded By Your Own Parents – For some reason, parents have a fundamental inability to stop treating their adult progeny like children. When our parents scold us well in to adulthood, it’s typically just irritating. When they do it in front of our children, it’s humiliating.
  6. Getting a Speeding Ticket – There’s nothing like a brush with authority in front of the kids to take you down a few notches. Older children also have quite the talent for mildly taunting their parents about getting pulled over, which just adds to the shame.
  7. A Lecture From the Principal – Getting called into the principal’s office because of your child’s behavior is embarrassing in itself; when those antics lead to a lecture from the principal as your child looks on, it can feel as if your skills as a parent are being called into question.
  8. Altercation With the Neighbor – The snarly neighbor that loves to pick a fight can be an endless source of shame for a parent, as they typically don’t hesitate to make insulting remarks that can embarrass the toughest mom or dad. When your kids hear these cutting remarks, it can make the entire situation spin out of control.
  9. Fender Benders – Minor car accidents are just embarrassing, even more so when you’re the party at fault. When your kids are in the car, the whole experience can become a shameful one.
  10. Fighting With Your Siblings – Parents with more than one child spend a significant amount of their time trying to teach the importance of getting along with one another. All of those lessons go out the window the first time they see you fighting with your own siblings; this scenario can make a parent feel like a hypocrite.

Though it can be painful to have these experience in the presence of your children, it’s important to remember that your children can learn valuable lessons from them.

Posted in Babysitting Jobs | Comments Off

10 Interesting Newborn Care Classes to Consider

Posted on February 6, 2012 by admin

The options for newborn care classes are almost endless; there are specially designed courses in every area you can think of when it comes to new babies and their needs. Here are ten options for educating yourself and your family about the care of your newest addition.

  1. CPR – All parents and caregivers of a newborn should be well-educated about infant CPR, which is quite different from it’s adult counterpart. These classes are available through the Red Cross in most areas.
  2. Breastfeeding Support – Many expecting mothers assume that breastfeeding will be easy and come naturally, because it is the natural source of feeding for an infant, However, up to 73% of breastfeeding mothers will seek support after the birth of their child. Taking a breastfeeding support class before your baby’s birth may prevent difficulties after her arrival.
  3. Infant Massage – Proponents of infant massage claim that babies who are regularly massaged sleep better are less fussy than their non-massaged counterparts. Many local instructors hold classes regarding proper technique and execution.
  4. Grandparents’ Classes – Designed to inform grandparents of developments in infant care and safety since their early parenting days and focusing on helping grandparents support their children as they become parents, these classes can be a valuable resource.
  5. Siblings’ Classes – Many community centers and places of worship have classes that focus on helping older siblings adjust to a new baby. Teaching basic newborn care lessons and helping children deal with jealousy, these workshops may prove to be a powerful tool in preventing anxiety in soon-to-be big siblings.
  6. Infant First Aid – Much like infant CPR, the basics of infant first aid are a bit different from the adult variety. Learning the safest and most effective ways to prevent and treat injuries is a great way to prepare for parenthood.
  7. Local Parenting Groups – Parenting classes offered by locally-based groups in your area will focus on the issues particularly pertinent to your community, and may be more personal than larger programs.
  8. Bringing Baby Home – Based on the groundbreaking work of Julie Schwartz Gottman and Dr. John Gottman, the Bringing Baby Home course covers the basics of infant care and also has a section dedicated to helping new parents protect their relationship from the strain of early parenthood.
  9. Online Programs – There are dozens of quality training programs available online, some of which are completely free. Many also have discussion forums, where new parents can seek advice from one another and offer support.
  10. Mommy and Me Programs – Many newborn care classes are designed to be completed before a child’s birth; programs that teach hands-on lessons with your new baby are a great way to learn what works for your child, with the security of a classroom setting.

Expecting parents may find themselves feeling anxious about the care of their coming bundle of joy, even after reading every book they can get their hands on and attending care classes. It’s perfectly normal to feel unprepared, even after your child’s birth. You’ll quickly learn what works best for your family after your baby’s arrival; don’t beat yourself up if you’re still nervous when you leave the hospital.

Posted in Babysitting Jobs | Comments Off

10 Diseases Kids Can Catch from their Pets

Posted on January 28, 2012 by admin

Kids tend to be more hands-on with pets than the adult members of the family, and to also have poorer hygiene habits. As a result, they’re more likely to end up on the receiving end of an illness that can be passed from animals to humans. These ten diseases can originate with the household pet, but affect the entire household.

  1. Cat Scratch Fever – Cats infected with Bartonella henselae bacteria are responsible for cat scratch fever, which causes swollen lymph nodes, fever, headaches and fatigue in humans.
  2. Ringworm – Despite the name, ringworm is actually a type of fungus that feeds on skin cells and hair of mammals. Cats and dogs are commonly affected in youth, and it can be transferred to humans if spores come into contact with skin.
  3. Plague – While it is possible for domestic cats to become infected with Yersinia pestis, the bacteria that causes bubonic plague, from prey rodents, it’s exceedingly rare.
  4. Tuberculosis – While dogs and cats are usually resistant to tuberculosis, African and Asian pet monkeys are a quite common source of exposure to humans. Once easily treated, newer strains of tuberculosis are treatment-resistant.
  5. Strep and Staph – Streptococci and Staphylococci rarely cause symptoms in infected pets, but can still be passed on to humans. When the bacteria do cause symptoms in pets, they typically present with eye or skin infections.
  6. Salmonella – The same salmonella bacteria that causes us to carefully cook chicken and to scrub countertops religiously can also be passed between pets and their humans. Those with healthy immune systems usually only experience diarrhea and stomach cramps, but it can be life-threatening for infants and kids with compromised immune systems.
  7. B-Virus – Macaque monkeys, of which several species are sold as pets, often carry a virus called herpesvirus simiae, or B-virus. Up to 90% of adult macaques are infected; the disease is mild or altogether asymptomatic in monkeys. However, a bite from an infected pet monkey can lead to meningoencephalitis.
  8. Rabies – There’s no cause for concern if your pet’s vaccinations are up to date, but a newly-taken-in stray or rescue that carries rabies can infect any mammal it encounters, including humans.
  9. Toxoplasmosis – The same organism that causes obstetricians to discourage pregnant women from cleaning a cat’s litter box can also infect children. While it typically causes no overt signs of disease, in some rare cases, headache, fever, sore throat and muscle pain can occur.
  10. Giardia – A single-celled organism known as Giardia lamblia that lives in the intestines of birds and mammals alike is the most common non-bacterial cause of diarrhea in American humans, according to doctors. Children are more likely to contract giardia than adults.

While some of these diseases are quite rare, others are relatively common. Making sure that children wash their hands after handling a pet or its waste is absolutely the most effective method for preventing these illnesses.

Posted in Babysitting Jobs | Comments Off

10 Reasons Your Baby Might Be Coughing

Posted on January 28, 2012 by admin

If your baby has developed a cough, there are a number of possible causes to consider. Your pediatrician will want to check for additional symptoms, and ask you for some details as well, in order to identify the source. Here are 10 reasons why your baby might be coughing:

  1. Common Cold – Typically, the child’s cough will be accompanied by sneezing, stuffy nose, watery eyes, loss of appetite, low fever.
  2. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) – Similar symptoms to a cold, but with increasingly worse coughing and labored breathing. Particularly for babies less than a year old, it can lead to more serious respiratory illnesses.
  3. Sinusitis – A bacterial infection of the sinus cavities. Symptoms include: a cough and runny nose lasting more than 10 days.
  4. Pneumonia  – Initial symptoms resemble a cold, but with worsening symptoms, including: difficulty breathing, persistent cough, chills, body aches, and fever.
  5. Whooping Cough – Not as common since the introduction of a preventive vaccine. So-named due to the symptom of sustained coughing fits, interspersed with a difficulty breathing.
  6. Inhalation or Swallowing of Foreign Matter – Sometimes the cause is from the child having ingested something, which triggers a cough reflex in an attempt to dislodge and expel it.
  7. Allergies – We typically associate allergies with symptoms like sneezing, but a cough can also accompany an allergic reaction as a result of post-nasal drip causing mucus to build up in the back of the throat.
  8. Asthma – Usually includes wheezing, chest congestion, difficulty breathing, especially at night. If the child exhibits these symptoms after physical activity, this could be the culprit.
  9. Cystic Fibrosis – This will be identified by a persistent cough producing a thick green or yellow mucus, oily stools, and gas.
  10. Environmental Irritants – Check for the presence of irritants such as cigarette smoke or chemical fumes in your home, which can also trigger a coughing reaction from your baby.
Posted in Babysitting Jobs | Comments Off

10 Signs the Sitter Should Fire the Family

Posted on January 17, 2012 by admin

Good babysitters are tough to find and many times a family is forced to fire the sitter who isn’t doing a good job. However, the tables could be turned and the situation may arise where the sitter is forced to fire the family. Babysitting can be a less than rewarding way to make money, and when things get out of hand, it’s time to call it quits. Here are 10 signs the sitter should fire the family.

  1. Don’t get paid – Hiring a sitter is a contractual relationship. The babysitter agrees to watch the kids and keep them safe for a specified amount of time and for a fee paid by the parents. When this contract is broken, the sitter has every right to end the relationship and fire the family.
  2. Always late – Sitters have a life too and they don’t appreciate it when the parents are continually late. Babysitters are hired for a specific time frame and probably have plans for when they’re on their personal time. Families who are chronic offenders of a sitter’s time deserve to be fired.
  3. Unreasonable demands – Families who hire a sitter to become their personal slave are going to risk losing the babysitting services altogether. The sitter is there to care for the children, not clean the house, do laundry and take out the garbage. Making unreasonable demands on caregivers doesn’t make for a good working relationship.
  4. Kids are brats – Good sitters can handle just about anything, but they do have their limits. Some kids can be such rotten brats that the babysitter has no choice but to end the relationship. The parents may be the nicest people in the world, but those little hooligans just kill the deal.
  5. Unsafe situation – No caregiver should continue a position where they feel unsafe. If the family lives in a bad neighborhood or there are other sketchy circumstances, sitters have every right to fire the family.
  6. Filthy conditions – Nobody likes working in a pig sty. If sitters are forced to care for children in a filthy home, they can’t be expected to stay on. The family is at risk of being fired if conditions don’t improve.
  7. Too strict – Another sign the family could get terminated is when the parents are far too strict. Sitters can feel really constrained by inflexible rules and regulations that are impossible to abide by. When parents make impossible demands of their kids and the babysitter, the working conditions can be unbearable.
  8. No discipline – The other end of the spectrum is when parents are far too lenient and there is no discipline in the family. There has to be some rules for the children to adhere to or the sitter can be thrown into chaos.
  9. Dishonesty – No caregiver wants to work for a family who is dishonest. Parents not only need to know they can trust the sitters, but the need for honesty goes both ways. Babysitters aren’t going to want a working relationship with a family they don’t trust.
  10. Criminal activity – The worst situation for sitters is to find out they are working for a family who is involved in criminal activity. If there is drug dealing or the family is actually part of “The Family”, the babysitter better find someone else to work for.

Sitters who care for other family’s children have every right to expect to be treated fairly and work in a clean and safe environment. A family that makes unreasonable demands or puts their caregiver in a threatening situation can expect to be fired. Prospective babysitters would be well advised to interview the family before agreeing to take the position. It’s much better to avoid getting into a bad situation beforehand than have to figure out a way to end it later.

Posted in Babysitting Jobs | Comments Off ← Older posts