How to discipline someone else's child
Whether you are hosting a play date, are babysitting or just having some nieces and nephews visiting your home, it is sometimes necessary to discipline someone else's child. This can be a touchy situation ... here are some tips to help you do it correctly.
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Things You'll Need
- A patient and calm demeanor when dealing with the child.
- Communication with the child's parent.
Instructions
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Establish certain rules when the children first arrive in your home. Be sure they understand general safety rules you have ... don't assume they already know about hazards regarding certain aspects of your home, a swimming pool, for example.
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If you find that the child is deliberately breaking a rule, call him/her on it immediately. Always start with a calm warning. Remind the kids that this action (be it yelling, fighting, or engaging in unsafe behavior) is not acceptable in your home, and they need to stop. Be sure to include your own child in this warning if they are also involved in the activity. Speak in a calm, firm voice. Don't ever shout at someone else's child.
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If the behavior continues, address it immediately. Try to redirect the children's activities. If you can get them interested in something else, it may put a quick and easy end to the undesirable behavior. If that doesn't work, it may be time to place the child into a quiet timeout situation. Do not yell, just explain that the rules are to protect them and they need to be followed.
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Some children do not follow rules as well as others. If this child is endangering or harming your child or someone else's, you need to stop the behavior immediately. If they are not complying after these steps, it is time to end the visit. Contact their parent and calmly explain the situation - hopefully they will understand your position and talk to their child about their behaviors.
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Tips & Warnings
Redirecting activities can be a simple way to end bad behavior. Sometimes once a child learns that you will not give in, they will start to comply with your rules.
Never shout at another child (unless it is to direct them away from immediate danger).
Never physically discipline a child.
