Look back at the Safe Sitter®


Guide to Child Development on page 13:


You’ll notice that Infants cry to communicate, so they will likely cry when they are tired, hungry, unhappy, or wanting attention.


• What age is likely to throw a temper tantrum if they are tired, hungry, unhappy, or wanting attention? (Toddler.)


• What age is likely to hit or throw something if they are tired, hungry, unhappy, or wanting attention? (Preschooler.)


• What age is likely to talk back if they are tired, hungry, unhappy, or wanting attention? (School age.)


On page 20, your Student Handbook lists six ways to deal with this kind of behavior.


1. Provide comfort - Make sure the child’s needs are met. For example, if the child is hungry, prepare a snack or meal. If the child is scared, find their favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or other comforting item.


2. Distract – If the child is upset or behaving in a way that is upsetting or frustrating, distract with a funny story or favorite game or activity.


3. Give choices – If the child is being resistant, give them 2-3 acceptable choices.


4. Make a game – Make a game of a chore like picking up toys to make an unpleasant task more fun.


5. When…Then – Promise something the child wants, such as a favorite activity, once the child does what they are supposed to do.


Fall down stairs that are not protected by a safety gate? (Toddlers.) Chew on medication thinking it is candy? (Preschoolers.)


We call these our Behavior Management Tips. VIDEO: POISONING


Poisoning is a danger for three of the four age groups. Let’s watch this Babysitter Boss video to learn more about poisoning.


VIDEO: BABYSITTING BAD BEHAVIOR HACKS Let’s watch this Babysitter Boss video where she shares her bad behavior hacks.


Do any of you have an allergy or know someone who is allergic to something? Allergies are very common, and it’s important to be aware of the allergies of those around you, including friends, neighbors, and children you are babysitting. Why would you want to be aware that a friend, neighbor, or child you babysit has an allergy?


6. Take a break and start over – Sometimes a child that is engaging in behavior that is destructive needs to take a short break. A short break helps to stop the behavior and encourages the child to get back in control. Once the break is over, help the child return to play by saying, “Okay, let’s start over.” [Point out that this tip should never be used for a child under the age of 2.]


[So that you can help them avoid the allergen, and therefore prevent an allergic reaction.]


What does an allergic reaction look like? PAGE 18 | SAFE SITTER® INSTRUCTOR MANUAL


[It could look very different, depending on the severity of the allergy: runny nose and itchy eyes, wheezing, hives, difficulty breathing, even loss of consciousness or shock.]


UPDATED 2023


Did you recognize all the Safe Sitter® behavior management tips? Did she use a different name for some of them? [Discuss with students that offering a reward is similar to “When ... Then,” and what she describes as a “time out” or “do-over” is the same as “Take a Break, Start Over.”]


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