I am working as an au pair here in Norway and I also worked as an au pair in Denmark for 2 years. So been taking care of other people's children for about 4 years now. And it's not easy at all, especially coz they have a different way of disciplining their children.And I just can't impose my own way of disciplining coz what I got used to is not acceptable here.

How about you?do you have any experience in taking care of other people's children?

Yes, I have been taken care of my cousin's 4 kids for about two weeks or more when she went to visit her parents who were living in another country .Well , I must say that was not at all the same thing as taking care of my own kids , due to my cousin's different rules or better said , lack of rules .
It takes time to get to know well the personality of the child you care for and what educational methods works better with him/her . There is no magical "receipt" that can be applied to every child.They are unique and therefore requires personalized approaches.

I have never tried taking care of other people's children, I don't suppose I will enjoy it so much and perhaps I will run out of patience very easily. It is very different when dealing with your own kids than that of other people's and I can only imagine. Although the concern is there, it just won't be the same for me because the love won't be.

I have been around other peoples children and do not always agree with the way that they discipline them. It is very hard to keep quiet and not criticise what they are doings sometimes - especially when I observed a very cross father smacking his stroppy son who was poorly and just needed a cuddle.

Originally Posted by racheldarcy

I have been around other peoples children and do not always agree with the way that they discipline them. It is very hard to keep quiet and not criticise what they are doings sometimes - especially when I observed a very cross father smacking his stroppy son who was poorly and just needed a cuddle.

We have a friend as well who has two children and I have always made it known to him how we disapprove on how his wife and him treat their two kids. They are always angry at these children, they are always shouting at them and never even bother to really communicate, or give them a hug. They never show appreciation to their kids and always treat them like a nuisance in their lives. I don't want to criticize but sometimes I feel sorry for their kids, and I just think to myself "I'm so glad they're not my children's parents"..