How to React When Kids You Babysit Say Inappropriate Things

Kids really do say the darndest things, so it's good to know how to react when you are baby-sitting and they say something inappropriate. You don’t want to make them feel bad, or laugh, and sometimes you don’t want the parents to know you know personal information about them that kids will tell you. These steps will help you know how to react when you’re babysitting kids that say inappropriate things.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Poker face

1. Telling you a private quirk about a parent, like they pee in the shower. Say something innocuous and move on.
2. Telling you something that a parent wouldn’t want you to know, like they re-gifted your holiday present. Smile graciously and change the subject.
3. Telling you about a naughty thing they did at school, like play, “I’ll show you mine, if you show me yours.” Gently explain that privates are meant to be private without making them feel bad.
4. Using bad language and/or swearing. Firmly explain that is a no-no and can hurt someone’s feelings. You may also want to give a timeout, depending on the severity of the offense.
5. Over-using potty humor. Tell the child how gross it is without giving them the reaction they are looking for (total disgust) and move on.

Tips & Warnings

• Kids can come up with completely random facts and questions out of the blue. By keeping a straight face, you won’t hurt their feelings or give them the wrong idea.
• If they tell you crazy stories about their parents, keep in mind that they tell their parents stories about you, too.

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