Using your parenting skills on other people’s kids?
When you take on the responsibility of caring for someone else’s child, make sure you know the routine when it comes to behavior issues and discipline.
Perhaps the child’s parents prefer to use time out when he or she is whining, or maybe whining is a signal they are ready for a nap. Every parent employs their own techniques to enforce discipline – and theirs might be different than your own.
Ask specific questions: How does little Johnny act out when he doesn’t get his way? Does he have trouble with sharing? Does hit, bite or scratch? Do you prefer time out on the naughty step or mat? Does positive reinforcement work?
Write the answers down so you have a guide. Keep track of Johnny’s behavior and report back to the parents the effectiveness of the types of discipline you used. The next time you take care of the child, you can pick up where you left off.
Know the rules
Disciplining another parent’s child has to be done by their rules. To avoid any confusion, make sure you know the dos and don’ts. If the child is intimidated by a harsh tone, perhaps a softer lecture might be more effective. Time out might be five minutes, or 10 minutes. Again, write it down.
Avoiding the triggers that lead to misbehavior is also key. Children’s behavior can be closely related to the types of food they eat, their sleep schedule, or the types of games they play at the playground. Find out if the child is sensitive to sugary foods. Perhaps they normally nap in the morning, and release their energy playing in the afternoon.
Keeping a child on his or her normal schedule and eating routine can have a huge effect on their behavior.
Be fair
It’s easy to lay the blame on someone else’s child when playtime turns sour. But that’s just because your own children know when you mean business. Teaching the new kid your rules will help you keep order.
Make sure they understand what you allow and where you draw the line. This might include rules like no running in the house, sharing toys, or sitting quietly during story time. Repetition is the key to success, so reiterate the rules when necessary, and listen to them in kind. Hopefully it will sink in.
Even though you’re disciplining someone else’s child, try not to direct negative attention to them, and make sure they don’t feel left out. In the end, they will understand your standards, and you will have a better idea about how to keep the order.