Babysitting A Hyper 10 Year Old Boy

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So I got a babysitting position for 2 or 3 nights a week from 4:00 pm-12:30 am. I had my interview yesterday and the dad is nice and all but the boy seems really hyper and I don't have much experience with older children, especially boys. For example, the boy and his friend were jumping on the couch and his dad didn't care. He's really into hockey but I'm not into sports so I don't really know how to find common ground. His dad said he'd play outside most of the time and he has to come in at 8:30 pm and he has to stay in his townhouse complex. His bedtime is at 9:30 pm.

I'm just wondering does anyone have any ways I can try to connect with him? Also, any fun activities for a 10 year old boy would be nice. Also, should I let him jump on the couch if his dad lets him? I don't think I should because it's unsafe. I could say something like if you want to jump around you can go outside and jump around or maybe suggest making a fort.

Also, the dad is going to drive me home at night. I'm not good at small talk. I know I could talk about his son's day but what else can I talk about?

Ask for a Duct Tape allowance, tape one on each side of a door. Then close it.

This is going to sound weird but I don't think you should try to connect with him. At this age, it's all about his friends and the adults (which includes you) are just background noise. Just be the supervisory adult. Don't try to connect. Attempts at connection are likely to be seen as weird and patronizing by him.


Again I say 'nope'. Do not attempt to entertain him. That's what his friends are for. You are also starting this gig at the beginning of the school year and in the evening. As the semester gets underway he will probably be doing homework and you will be asked to supervise him doing that homework. He may also need you to accompany him to school-based activities. Any spare time left over from that will be spent with his friends (as it was when you visited). I think it is a bad idea to try to add yet more activities to what will inevitably become a bogged-down schedule as the school year gets going.

Yes. You can't override or undermine his Dad's authority.

Maybe so, maybe no. But you can't override what his Dad has deemed safe. However, I think you should clarify this with his Dad. It is entirely possible that his Dad doesn't want it done but was distracted by doing the job interview with you and the boy took advantage of that distraction. Find out from Dad (and Mom, is there a Mom?) exactly what is or is not allowed- starting with the couch jumping.


Direct them outside as weather allows. But also clarify with Dad if couch jumping is allowed. I have a friend who keeps a beat-up couch in her house specifically for the kids to jump on. She may not be unique in that. Check with Dad and don't override his decision.



What you can talk about is what is or is not allowed in the home. That needs to be clarified as soon as possible. When that has been straightened out, talk about what happened the night that just finished (if anything) and find out what is upcoming (events you need to accompany, friends who will be visiting). Use this opportunity to discuss what just happened (did he balk at his homework?) and what will happen when you are next there.

Yes, I am a Mom and have hired babysitters. I have also been a babysitter when I was younger including a steady gig with one kid over a year. Following the parents' lead is the most important thing here. Parents get disturbed (I discovered at that time) if you try to do things your own way rather than following their lead. That is why it is so important to find out if Dad normally forbids couch jumping but was distracted by interviewing you or if he allows it. Whichever way it is, you need to follow that despite whatever your personal feeling is.

^ What she said. Basically just leave him alone and make sure he doesn't hurt himself too badly.

Jumping on the couch isn't all that unsafe.

Thanks for the tips. He's actually a lot calmer without his friend around and he's actually a really good kid. Yeah, I basically leave him to do his own thing after I make his dinner.