I'm babysitting a kid tonight (not the same one who is so monstrous, this kid is really well behaved). He's 7 and is a really good kid, he does what I tell him but he craves attention. Even if he is enthralled with something, if I leave the room (even for a few seconds) he bursts into tears and screams. When I walk back into the room he'll keep going, and he won't stop until I pick him up and tell him it's okay, I'm still right here. I can't even take a minute to go to the bathroom, he'll start wailing and crying. When I put him to bed (his bedtime is 7 ish and I'll be sitting until 10 PM), he will start crying out of nowhere. He will go to sleep and I will wait until he starts snoring (he's LOUD!) and carry him into his room and be sure he's asleep before I leave the room (if I have to take care of some chores or homework or something). But within about 10 minutes after I leave, he will WAIL. I have to go into his room and pick him up and hold him for a long time (continued)
Update:I don't think he's found a 'weakness' or anything...the first time I was there he was really quiet and said nearly nothing but cried like crazy when I put him to bed. I asked his parents if he was afraid of anything (being alone, the dark, etc) and they said no. The second time he shrieked like a banshee and even when I held him and told him it was okay, he would still whimper and cry but when his mom and dad got home he was fine. I'm just wondering about tonight and what I can do to help him if he is flipping out.
Update 3:After he wakes up once and screeches and I put him back to bed (mainly to make him shut up...), I tell him that there's nothing to be afraid of and I'm right here. He'll still wake up and screech and I won't go in, he will tire himself out.
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sounds to me like he still needs time to get used to you. do you have an old stuffed animal from when you were his age....a clean one?? maybe if you bring him a little security trinket from when you were his age he'll better relate to you....other than that you can try having a tickling contest with him or doing some other activity where he can see that you really do care about him and want him to be comfortable with him....have the parents offered any advice on how to deal with the crying?? some kids just don't like certain people, although this doesn't seem to be the case since he wants to be in the same room with you....its probably not anything you've done, you seem to be a pretty good kid from our other discussions. and i like how you show enough concern for his fears that you allow him to fall asleep in the living room even though he really should be in his bed. you're obviously a very caring person....in time i think he'll come around but if not, maybe just decline to sit for them in the future because you think the child should be more comfortable with his caregiver. i'll keep thinking on this and if you have any troubles, shoot me an email this evening if you're taking your laptop with you....i'll try and help as situations arise. make sure to give me as many details of the situation as possible....what he's doing, what you've tried, what seems to have worked and what didn't. i think it might just be that since he isn't used to you that he isn't positive you won't take off and leave him alone. good luck.
he's 7.....way too old for bedtime tantrums....i would suggest the parents call and check in more often and ask to speak to him...maybe to say goodnight....after a few times maybe he will settle better in knowing that mom and dad are really close and that he still has access....if it becomes an everytime occurrance then you know you have a separation issue....children sometimes cry for no reason but not as often as when there is something really wrong....if he is scared or terrified then remember that it is very real to him no matter how insignificant or silly it seems to you.....try some trial and error things to find what the problem is and what works for the two of you...try giving him a new stuffed toy that is his special bedtime toy and allow him to transfer some of his fear to that toy and maybe he will calm down....good luck
Unless he has any disorders or autism, you need to set the limits for him. Before you leave the room, tell him what you are doing. Something like "I am going to go into the kitchen and ___. Do you understand?" Have him repeat back to you what you told him to make sure he got it. Then give him a couple of choices of what he can do while you are going to be out of his site. "While I am in the kitchen you can stay here and continue what you're doing, or you can draw at the kitchen table." What ever options you give, make sure you are okay with either one, and then go do it. Assume that he is going to chose one of the two.
For bedtime, tell him before hand that after he is done doing whatever it is he is doing, he will need to go to bed. Tell him when it is bedtime "Do you want to brush your teeth or put on your pjs first?" Give him some choices, like does he want a drink of water or not, the hall light on or not etc. Then it is bedtime. Tell him what you are going to be doing while he is in bed, and then go do it. Whatever you decide the limit is (going to bed, keeping himself entertained while you are out of site) make sure you stick to it.
Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.
he just misses mom and dad and if they dont have a set routine with him on the other nights then youve no chance on the odd night. put him to bed at his normal time let him screm it wont harm him-as long as its no more than 5/10 mins-he knows youl go back to him so hell carry on doing it-what does his parents say about this? i think hes got some problems and at 7 hes old enough to behave-i would either stop babysitting him or tell the parents you want double money
well, it aint you, its the way the parents take care of the child. they baby him, so he will continue to act like a baby. i would let the lil bastard cry himself to sleep.
stop picking him up. the boy is 7. give him something to cry about.