Training Babysitters

Dear Catherine,

Find an open minded and ready to learn person. Ask if she/he is interested in learning and working in a different way. If she says she has a lot of experience working at kindergarten and seems to be sure that she knows the best way with children, you may want to keep looking for someone who is interested in new ideas.

If she is turned on by the prospect of learning and of respecting children, you can loan her my book, “Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves,” and a couple of my CDs, perhaps starting with “Peaceful Parenting.” Ask her if she will be comfortable discussing parenting issues each day and if she will be able to take your comments in a spirit of interest and support.

Initially, be present with her and the children, model your ways, and discuss things you would like to change. Create a connection with her. Remember, she does not have to be like you, nor a perfect “Aldort” parent. Your children can handle different people. It is not so much about making her become a perfect parent, but more about helping her be coachable and open to discuss and change her ideas if and when needed.

Warmly, Naomi Aldort, http://authenticparent.com/index.html