They Won’t Let Me Babysit! How To Break The Child / Parent Deadlock.
OK kids, let’s start with you. You want to babysit. You want it more than anything and your parents just won’t let you. It seems so unfair, right? They don’t get that you can be mature and responsible. They’re treating you like a baby and you’ve had enough!

Hey Mom and Dad – it’s a scary time, isn’t it? You little baby is getting so grown-up in some ways. But in many other areas they still have a loooong way to go! They don’t seem to get what a responsible job is and you’re frightened for them. What if they hit a situation they can’t deal with? There’s no way you’re going to put them in that position…yet.

Time Out!

Everyone has to give and take here so that a solution may be reached. Let’s look at this from both sides.

Child / Teen

If you want your parents to agree to what you’re asking for – you have to know their needs first. Why are they saying ‘no’ – did you ever ask them without throwing a fit? The chances are that they are worried for you. They understand how much responsibility a babysitter takes on. Are you ready for that responsibility? Really?

OK - How would you deal with the following situations?

A child won’t stop crying
A child gets sick and needs a bath and their soiled bed changing
A child cuts himself and needs sutures. His siblings are asleep upstairs…
A child starts to choke on a peanut

See – this is why your parents

worry. If you’re not able to deal with all of those…and more, then you’re not ready.

So What Can I Do To Learn These Things

Show your parents that you understand the job by wanting to learn how to do it properly. There are DVD courses available – ask them to buy you one for Christmas or a birthday.

In the meantime…

You won’t get anywhere without communicating properly. Slamming doors is not the way to impress them that you’re mature enough to babysit.

You know those chores they keep asking you to do? Do them – demonstrate that you can be disciplined and work. And then do them without being asked – that shows initiative. It might be dull but so is a lot of work – do you want this or not?

Parents

Make time to discuss why you are saying ‘no’. It won’t stop your child wanting to babysit – it just makes them crazy. If they know why you’re refusing, it gives them a chance to do something about it. Kids can reason if they know what they’re up against.

Communication is key. Kids do want to talk to you, despite the way they behave. Take the time to get to know your kids and let them know you – relationships are two-way.

Support them – if they really want this, help them to learn what they need to know.


About the author:

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