A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:This isn't a relationship, sex or dating question but I've got a new sunday job working with little children, just to get me some money.The only thing, they are exhausting and I can't seem to connect with them. It's not like I'm a naturally scary person but I don't even know what to say to motivate them - which unfortunatley is my job.Don't critise me for job choice, I just need ideas how to deal with children under 5yrz of age. My neighbour came to me and after one day I'm lost.Thing is I need the money
View related questions:
money, neighbour Reply to this Question
Share |
Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
female
reader, SugarCookie  +, writes (23 June 2008):
Just have plenty of activities and snacks. Kids that age get bored easy. Just try to take part in the activities and show them that you like to have fun too.
A
reader, anonymous, writes (23 June 2008): I love the under fives, to tell the truth I prefer them to adults. They are very direct, they don't lie, they love having fun and they love to play. They are also like little wind up toys, and they'll keep running until their battries run down. Keep them fed and watered, and watch them like hawks. They may be honest, but they got no sense and have not learned the lesson that fire burns and knives can kill. Apart from that they're just like you and me, albeit they do have a larger amount of creativity and imagination. Talk to them (never talk down to them) about what they're doing and what they like doing. Try to always get your body down to their level. Five year olds are very short and they hate always having to look up when older people are talking to them. Try to enter their world and I guarantee you'll find it the magical experience that I usually do. They're very shy cause they're not really used to people yet, just copy what they're doing and eventually they'll think your one of them and allow you to play.
PS: When they are rude and naughty, they are rude and naughty. They are small and ignorant, but they're not stupid, they know when they are wrong. So take charge as an adult and find a punishment relevant to the seriousness of the crime, their limited abilities, and factor in their limited knowledge about the world... Good luck.
...............................
A
female
reader, Tremor +, writes (23 June 2008):
 Ah, the joy that is young children. I was a nanny for a while when I was 17 so I know what you mean - those critters are hard work!
You don't know what to say to 'motivate' them - to do what? Eat their lunch? Play a game? More info might be helpful.
I always found having set activities was a good road to take - it makes you seem more like a daycare than a babysitter. So have a designated 'painting day', or a day for 'outside games', etc etc. That way they know what to expect, and you know what to plan for.
And don't be afraid to discipline them. Since you aren't their mother, it isn't your place to hit them, but if they're misbehaving, don't hesitate to stick them in whatever area is the designated 'naughty area'.(In my case, it was outside, but whatever works for you). And don't give in to hissy fits and screaming. It'll show them you mean business.
Good luck on your mission!
...............................
A
female
reader, witch-fire  +, writes (22 June 2008):
 honestly? just play with them. if they aren't comfortable with you yet, sit far enough away so that they feel comfortable in your presence. Let them come to you. That worked wonders at a nursery i was doing a placement in. I found a corner of the room close to a group of the kids and eventually one began to play with me, followed by the rest.
...............................
|
