Babysitting Shy Children

Dealing with shy children can be a difficult experience. They may not necessarily cry when their parents leave, but they might just sit on the couch, or behind the couch for that matter, and not talk. They might be a little scared of you, and not want to do anything. It’s not that they are trying to be brats, but they just don’t like strangers. Here are many things you can do to earn their trust.

Ask to see their things. After the parents leave, or even for the extra shy ones before they do, ask them to show you their room. Children love showing off their toys. Ask them to tell you the names of their dolls, action figures, etc. Ask them to tell you about their pets. Have them show you where they sleep, their toys, and what they like to do with their pets.

Read a book. Ask the child if they want to read a story. If they say yes, let them pick out a book and then read it to them. It is a good icebreaker. If they say no, and don’t want to do anything else either, then pick out a book yourself. Begin reading it out loud. Be very expressive in your tone of voice. Most children will listen, and eventually come to sit beside you and look at the pictures. When you finish, ask them if they would like to pick out the book this time. Most of them will, or if they don’t want to pick out another book, they might want to do something else.

Draw. If you can find paper and crayons or markers, just begin to draw. Draw anything. Say things out loud, like “I think I will use purple for this cow.” Or, “What color are blue Jays? I think they are green.” They might become interested in what you are doing and join you to see your drawing. Some of them will even come over just to tell you that blue jays are not green. That starts a conversation.

Ask for the child’s help. If you have to make dinner or a snack, have the child come in the kitchen and do a small part of the job. Such as arranging crackers on a plate. Or getting a diaper for the baby. Or showing you where something is. Be sure to tell them that you Need their help, you can’t do it by yourself. The child is more likely to open up to you if they feel like you need them. This makes them feel important.

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