5 Things Your Babysitter Doesn’t Tell You

I’m not a mother… yet.  But I hope to be one someday.  I’ve been a babysitter for a long time though, seven years I think.  I love babysitting for several reasons.  For one I love spending time with kids and two I want to be a better mom when the day comes.  I like to prepare for the future by observing parenting techniques and trying some of them out when appropriate.

When I take care of polite, happy, well behaved kids I like to learn from that and see what methods the parents used to foster these types of attitudes.

I’ve had my share of trying babysitting experiences too that have caused me to take note of what parenting techniques don’t work.

I’m not an expert on parenting, for sure but I have had the chance to watch many families and their parenting styles.  I want to give you a fresh perspective, from an outsider looking in, from someone who is an observer who can just look at the techniques and the results.

Here’s 5 things I’ve learned that most babysitters wont tell their employers:

1.)  Children respond better to rewards, structure and discipline than bribery, instability and empty threats.

2.)  Constant screaming doesn’t work but a soft firm voice calmness and encourages willing obedience.

3.)  Children need special attention.  They crave lots of quality time, words of affirmation and hugs.  Children who don’t get these things often misbehave to get your attention.

4.)  Kids are smart.  Don’t underestimate what they can do.  Children encouraged to achieve higher goals in responsibility, creativity and behavior usually achieve more than kids who have low expectations placed on them.

5.)  It’s ok to be silly and have fun with your kids.  Parents who never get down on the floor to play or have a good time usually don’t build as strong of a long, lasting relationship with their children as parents who do.

I love babysitting children and I feel so bless to have had so many opportunities.  I’ve learned so much!

To Momma-wanna-bees:  I highly recommend single women taking some time to care for children even if it’s just for a little while or on a volunteer basis.  I feel like I will be much more prepared to be a better mom when the time comes, because of the opportunities I’ve had to interact with children and learn from different parenting techniques.

To already-mammas:  I hope these observations from an outsider looking in were helpful and encouraging.  I’m sure as a mother you are learning more and more parenting techniques that help you become a better mom.

Would you take a minute to share your wisdom with young ladies like me who are still preparing for motherhood?  What techniques work for you and which one don’t?

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