I Can't Get This Child To Wake Up!

Hey TLC Temps, we have someone that needs your expertise!  Please read the email I just received and reply with any suggestions you have.


Hi Kimberly,

I have watched these kids many times now and love them, but I just had a problem with the three year old.  His mom did warn me that he can sleep like a "college kid" but that he should only take an hour long nap.  I have not had a problem with this until yesterday.  


He went down for at nap at 3pm and at 4pm I started the process of waking him up.   I would call his name and rub him on his back saying "Time to wake up."  I did this for 5 minutes.  10 minutes later, his older sister managed to wake him up but then he returned to sleeping.  5 minutes later after this, I tried to wake him again using the same method as before and included tickling the bottom of his feet this round and again I could not rouse him. 


I informed the mom as soon as she arrived and asked if I could watch her method.  She actually got him to stand up but then she discovered he had wetted himself (this has never happen to me when he has napped.  I offered to get him a change of clothes but the mom said she would take care of him that she did not want to hold me up.  During this time, the child had returned to napping.

I enjoy working for this family and would like to continue to do so.  Do you have any suggestions for me if this should happen again?

Want to Earn More $$$ on your TLC Jobs?

WHY FAMILIES TIP 1. You confirm the job in a timely manner and give the client peace of mind that you will be a wonderful and prompt caregiver.  2. You are on time! You should arrive 5-10 minutes before the time that has been booked with a smile on your face, dressed appropriately for childcare in your TLC shirt*, a goody bag in hand, and an enthusiastic attitude. 3. You are a professional! You ask them to provide you with rules and regulations, directions for meals, bed-time, and, of course, favorite activities. 4. The kids are neat, clean and happy! Parents want to come home and find that their children had a good time, too. All diapers should be changed, baths taken, etc. If it is an evening job, they should be asleep when parents get home. 5. The kids say you were awesome! Kids are your biggest advocates.  Parents want to feel that their children received a lot of attention. 6. The house is cleaned up! Nobody wants to come home to a mess. All dishes should be put in the dishwasher, clothes and toys are put away. Counters where food has been eaten or crafts have been done should be wiped down. 7. Your report about the kids is positive!  Parents want to hear that their child was well behaved, fun to be with, creative... unless something really bad happened, focus on the positive. 8. Show them what you did while they were gone! We have provided you with sheets to fill out. Use them! 9. You show them you like them! Let them know you want to be requested back. Clients want to feel they can get some consistency for their kids. 10.  You provide quality TLC!  Parents want and need to feel like their children are receiving the same care and attention that they would get from their parents! And don't forget to visit the links on this page frequently for great Goody Bag ideas!

What Should I Do If I Find Out the Kids Are Sick When I Get To A Job?

YOU SHOW UP FOR AN ASSIGNMENT AND THE CHILD(REN) IS(ARE) SICK. YOU WERE NOT TOLD IT WAS A SICK CARE ASSIGNMENT.

It could have been that the children got sick after the parents placed the order, or that they failed to mention the illness when they called TLC, because they were being vomited on/cleaning up scary diapers/taking the temperature of a screaming child.

HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD SAY...

Oh my gosh, I didn't know Johnny was feeling icky! (Being extra nice to Johnny.) Pause for parent comment. I don't know if TLC knew either. I just wanted to make sure you knew the sick rate.

IF NO: It's just $11 an hour. Not a big difference. I just wanted to make sure you knew. And I have a form here for you to fill out if you need for me to give him any meds, even if it's just Tylenol.

Once again, have them call TLC if they have any questions. SICK CARE would cover: fevers, diarrhea, vomiting, chicken pox, any child who has been sent home from day care for a fever, any child whose parents are keeping them home because they do not feel well. Also any child requiring fever reducer, pain killer, antibiotics, or breathing treatments. Call TLC if in doubt-- even if it's after the parents leave. We can always intervene before it comes time to be paid.

Next: How to deal with clients who try to underpay you.