Babysitting can be a lot of fun. You get to hang out with and take care of so many wonderful children, each of them a joy in their own way! Except...

... sometimes, children can be difficult. Maybe they're overtired, or hungry, or at a developmental stage where temper tantrums are more frequent than not. Maybe there is something happening in the home or at school that causes them to act out. Maybe they have a behavioral disorder.

Whatever the case may be, it's not uncommon to encounter a child who isn't in the best spirits or on their best behavior. As a babysitter, your skills in childcare will come in handy in dealing with expected, minor outbursts, crying fits, or hijinks. And if you need some additional advice or strategies, CareFinder has collected a few resources below that may be helpful!

A Beginner Babysitter's Guide: Discipline Basics

How Should a Nanny Discipline Children?

Boundary-Based Discipline Techniques for Kids

10 Positive Punishment Techniques

CareFinder also spoke with a child behavioral expert for an article on discipline. While the focus is primarily on what parents can do, the insights from Dr. Kozue Matsuda are helpful for sitters, as well!

Less common are children who don't respond to your best efforts at discipline, boundaries, and consequences. 

We understand that it can be awkward or even alarming to be responsible for a child who is acting in a way that may put themselves, others, or you, at risk. If you are ever in a situation in which a child's behavior is threatening or dangerous --and you do not feel comfortable addressing the issue directly with the parents -- please do not hesitate to inform the CareFinder Team. 

We are here to support and advocate for everyone in our community, and that includes babysitters. In the rare event that it is necessary, the CareFinder Team can act as a mediator with parents to ensure the issue is dealt with promptly. However, we cannot act if we are not aware of the situation -- so let us know!