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Parental Practice: Using your friend's kids as test subjects.
Ever wonder what you would do if you went out to dinner with your child and they pitched a fit? Get answers to this and many more questions by participating in one simple activity: babysitting. There will be a virtual line around the block if you advertise that you would like to try this activity.
If you decide that you REALLY want to do this, then you must go whole hog. What does that mean? Take the child/ren for the whole day. You need to see them in all different moods and settings. You need to know what will happen if naptime is not met or it is a little past their feeding time.
You will want to follow the child's schedule, which the parents can provide. This way you will get a real taste for the planning that is involved in leaving the house for appointments and shopping. Plan to do some of these things while the child/ren is/are in your care. While you are tending to needs and following the schedule you will begin to formulate a plan for yourself.
Choose an age range that you are curious about. If you have heard about the terrible two's then take on a two-year-old and find out what makes them tick. If scheduling feedings for an infant scares you to death then care for an infant around 4 to 5 months old. (Any younger than that and the mom might not let you leave the home with them.)Study the in's and out's of their little world so that you can be prepared for the organized chaos of feedings, napping, and playtime with your new bundle.
Do fun things with the child/ren as well and tedious things. This will show how it will all be worth it and that you will, as the parents do, live for these sweet moments with your kids. Go for a picnic and let the toddler (if you have one) help you pack the lunch. Play with bubbles and sing songs. Maximize your fun before returning the child or children to their parents.
Understand in the end that all children are different and that your child may have different habits and routines as the child you have spent time with. In saying that, also know that most children follow the same developmental pattern and a lot of the behaviors will be along the same lines. Break out a pad and paper and take good notes about routine and scheduleing these things will be a life saver when your angel arrives in your home.
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