How Should The Babysitter Discipline Children?

**TBC never uses physical discipline.

"What are your weaknesses?" The dreaded interview question, that I didn't even prepare myself for when I applied to the daycare six years ago. However, I didn't hesitate to answer, "I have no idea how to discipline children!" I knew, from babysitting since I was 12-years-old, that the time-out method was effective. But what if the children never heard of time-out? Some parents have told me I just need to stand my ground and make sure they don't walk all over me. How do I do that? I can't yell at your child!

Julie Pron from Just Precious told us, "I recommend that they [babysitters]separate the kids when they are misbehaving. Most of the time, they misbehave when they're interacting with each other. They always have a choice, sit on different couches for a bit, away from each other, or go rest in their rooms."

Check out this post from Smartbabysitting.com How Smart Babysitters Discipline Children.  It states, "The behavior that receives the most attention, is the behavior that will happen the most." I once had an 11-year-old girl tell me to stop reacting to her 8-year-old brothers acting out, because he liked it. You know what, she was right. Once I stopped giving him the attention he stopped misbehaving.

Geri Fisher told us, "I want the babysitters to be firm and not be a "pushover" and not to get taken advantage of. They should be positive toward the kids and consistent." Nobody wants to be the mean babysitter.  Meanwhile, parents want their children to like their babysitter, so they can enjoy their time out.  I think Geri is right, staying positive is very important.

So whether you use a time out, reward good behavior, or take the older siblings advice, there IS something you can do as a babysitter to discipline the children.

So now, parents we want to know what you suggest your babysitters doing when the children misbehave? And babysitters, do you have any techniques that work well for you?