Summarize the following:
Everyone has different parenting styles and sometimes you’ll come across children who are used to an environment with fewer rules than you’re comfortable with. To help the difficult child adapt to the rules in your babysitting environment, it’s wise to thoroughly explain your rules, age permitting.  It’s a good idea to sit down with both the parents and the child when explaining the rules so the child knows you’re all on the same page. Depending on the age of the child, try sitting them down and saying something like “One rule is that you keep your hands to yourself at all times because I don’t want you to hurt anyone, or get hurt by anyone.” This works well if the child is old enough to understand cause and effect, typically adequate for children ages 5-10. A 2-year-old for example, may not understand why they aren't allowed to do something, but can understand the word "no" and be redirected to another activity. After you’ve explained your rules and the reasoning behind them, have the child assist you in making a rule chart that you can refer to when they start to act out. If the child is old enough to read, have them recite the rule they are breaking whenever they misbehave.  Grab some construction paper and markers and have them help you write out a numbered list of the rules. You can even let them decorate the chart. Bring the chart with you whenever you babysit and put it somewhere visible to the child. When they break one of the rules, stop them and say “Tommy, remember rule number 3? What does it say?” Point to the rule on your chart and have them recite why it is off limits. You could offer a reward if the child follows the rules and behaves well. After you’ve explained what is expected from them and why it’s expected, tell the child what kind of repercussion will occur if one of your rules is broken.  You can say something like “If you put your hands on someone else, you will be sent to time out.” Or "If you throw a tantrum, you will not be allowed to watch TV." Some sample punishments are taking away desserts, taking away a particular privilege (time with electronics), stopping whatever activity they are doing (don’t allow them to finish their craft), or taking away TV time or time playing outside. If the child is older, say 11-13, more effective punishments might include something like taking away their cell phone, tablet, or favorite video game. The first time you allow a rule to be broken without the consequence you promised would follow, the child learns they can get away with acting out. Handling difficult children is all about consistency. If your rule chart says that talking back to adults will result in not being able to watch TV; you MUST turn off the TV. Even if you were in the middle of a show that you actually liked, the consequence must be followed through, or the difficult child won’t take any of your rules seriously. You don’t want the child to only associate you with rules and consequences, or they could begin resenting your presence. Try bringing a toy, treat, or new activity with you to each babysitting session. This will create excitement for your time together and can be used as another tool for maintaining the rules. Explain to the child that you’re not obligated to bring gifts or fun things to do, and if they misbehave, you will stop. For example, bake some cookies to bring with you. Before letting Tommy have one, look him in the eyes and say “I like to bring goodies for you, but I don’t have to. These cookies are only for when you’re behaving nicely. If you break a rule, you won’t get any, and I won’t bring anything next time. Do you understand?”

summary: Explain the rules and their reasoning. Make a rule chart. Explain the consequences of broken rules. Follow through with the consequences. Come bearing gifts.


Summarize the following:
Separate the strips by pulling them apart. Align the shapes of the strips, with the red labels facing outward on each side. Push the strips together until you hear a click. Peel off one of the red (or green, depending on your product) liners. Place the strip sticky-side down onto the back of the frame. Press the strip down firmly.  Repeat this step for each strip you want to apply to the frame. For example, you may want to use two to four strips per frame. If you’re using four strips for a frame, put the lowest pair approximately two-thirds of the way down from the frame’s top. Make sure all of the liners are removed. Push the frame against the wall strongly. Hold it firmly for 30 seconds. Hold the bottom of the frame. Lift it gently towards you and upwards. Press the entire length of the strips for 30 seconds each. Don’t yank the frame straight towards you, or you’ll loosen the strips instead of detaching the frame from the wall. Don’t reattach the frame until an hour has passed. Afterwards, align the frame’s strips with the strips on the wall. Push the frame until all of the strips have clicked into place. Leaving the frame off of the wall for an hour gives the adhesive time to bond to the wall. If the frame isn’t straight, you can remove one or more strips. Hold the bottom two corners of the frame and lift it up and away. Reposition the strip(s) as desired. Hold the top of the strip you want to reposition with one hand. With your other hand, pinch the strip at the bottom and pull it downwards. Stretch it slowly, straight down – up to 15 inches – until the strip releases from the wall.

summary: Snap the strips together. Attach the strips to the back of the picture frame. Adhere the frame to the wall. Remove the frame to secure the underlying strips. Let the strips cure for at least an hour. Readjust the strips if needed.


Summarize the following:
Place a piece of painter's tape on the wall roughly where you want the object to be. Then use the measuring tape to measure the height of the exact spot. Mark it on the painter's tape using a pencil. The painter's tape will help keep the plaster from cracking when you drill into it. Use a drill bit that is narrower than the width of the screws you are using. For instance, if you are using screws that are 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) wide, use a drill bit that is 3⁄16 inch (0.48 cm). Drive the bit into the wall at the spot you marked. Work carefully, holding the drill at a right angle to the wall. Plaster is hard, so you will feel some resistance. That resistance may increase if the drill enters the lathe (the wooden support that holds up the plaster). Switch to a screwdriver attachment on your drill. Drive a screw almost all of the way in. Leave a bit of distance between the screw head and the wall surface. Wrap one end of a wire tightly around the screw head. Attach the other end to the hook or support on the object you want to hang. Adjust the wire length until the object is at the height you want.  Some objects (like many picture frames) will have a hole in the back that you can set directly on the screw to hold it in place. Use a level to fine-tune the placement of your object.
summary: Mark the spot where you want to hang the object. Pre-drill a hole. Drive a screw into the spot you marked. Hang your object.