baby sitting! tips needed.

Stellata · 08-08-2010, 01:21 PM

Well, nearly-4-year-old sitting.

I've looked after my flatmates' son before. Just not for 4 whole hours, which is what I'm doing this evening.

I get to give him dinner, get him ready for bed.
And, yikes, put his nappy on. I've never put a nappy on a baby/child before. Ever.
Yes. I know I'm 40, but.

I have a bunch of activities ready for 'playtime'. It's about 2 and a half hour's playtime, then dinner, then wind down then get him ready for bed before his mum comes home.

I know I'm an ex teacher and all, but I'm kind of nervous.
Any tips welcome!

nicole94 · 08-08-2010, 01:25 PM

well, obvious one but im gonna say it anyways because i made this mistake :L DO NOT SELF HARM! parents dont take it too well........

Stellata · 08-08-2010, 01:47 PM

Um.
I'm 40 years old and taught in schools for many years.
And I'm not currently self harming anyway.
I'm confused by your reply.

crazykat · 08-08-2010, 01:49 PM

Sounds like your got it well planned. Try not to worry you'll be okay

Snow Leopard · 08-08-2010, 01:50 PM

Hi It sounds like you are well prepared would it help to ask to watch or do a surpervised nappy change before the parents go out then that won't be such a worry. My best advice is to be very calm and follow the child's lead all children love to have one to one attention read him stories draw pictures with him etc. I think you will have a lovely time it is amazingly therapeutic focussing all attention on somone else. Let us know how it goes!

Snow Leopard · 08-08-2010, 01:52 PM

one other thought make sure you have all relevant mobile phone numbers so if you need to get hold of his parents you can!

shadow-light · 08-08-2010, 01:53 PM

eugh, nappy changes are "fun", esspecially when the child decides it's a game and starts running about and you have to catch them lol

I'm sure you'll do fine, as you say you've looked after him before and you used to be a teacher, and it sounds like you have stuff planned. Just try not to worry too much about it

Stellata · 08-08-2010, 01:53 PM

Thanks. :)
His mum will be at work, and his dad is in India [his father died on Thursday...]
So I'm pretty much On My Own.

makedamnsure · 08-08-2010, 03:58 PM

You'll be ok. Kids like one on one attention. He will be made up just to have you to himself for a few hours.

During "playtime" things like drawing, making things, playing with toys are good. If he likes toy cars you can use toilet rolls to make tunnels and books as ramps to create a mini car obstacle course.

When I babysit I try to make it a treat and do things that the child doesn't do everyday.

And books are brilliant at calming down for bed. Do different voices for the characters if you are feeling brave!

I dunno how he is about mealtimes. But try not to stress if he won't eat what you give him, or makes a mess. If he won't eat and is hungry later then perhaps give him some toast and a glass of milk while you read his bedtime story.

Lou Lou · 08-08-2010, 07:48 PM

Sounds like you've got it well planned.
Is he in an actual nappy? I assume since he's 4 it's a pull up type thing which are essentially like putting on pants - just don't accidentally stick your nail in anything yucky when taking it off :p Have the nappy bag, wipes and new nappy all ready next to you so it's a quick and simple process.

umm I guess keep it fun, be flexiable and don't let him take advantage (as a teacher I'm sure you know all this anyways lol)
You'll be fine, have fun xx

Stellata · 08-08-2010, 07:56 PM

Thanks.

He did take advantage a few times. But I did my best to set clear boundaries of what wasn't acceptable.
I did my best to let him know I understood that he felt unhappy his dad's in India, he's had 2 nannies the past week... he seemed to appreciate this understanding.
And he tidied everything up. Always a win!
The nappy was a bit of a disaster, but I'll know next time.

Lou Lou · 08-08-2010, 08:16 PM

sorry, I didn't read the time lol, didn't realise it had been and gone.
Glad it went alright...hope the nappy wasn't TOO disastrous. I change nappies daily and still end up in a pickle from time to time lol.

Stellata · 08-08-2010, 08:20 PM

He didn't have one on during the day, he never does. But I just had to put the night time one on him. He wiggled and giggled and that didn't help. But his mum fixed it when she came back!

Thanks. :)

Snow Leopard · 08-08-2010, 09:13 PM

Glad it went ok looking after other people's kids is always a bit more of a worry then looking after your own but it sounds like you did really well.

crazykat · 09-08-2010, 11:45 AM

Glad it reasonably well :)