Guide for Babysitters
Families trust babysitters with their children's lives. The main responsibility of any babysitter is keeping the child safe. Duties also include keeping children happy and out of trouble. Remember to keep your own safety in mind, too, both while job hunting and babysitting. By protecting the child and yourself, you keep everyone safe and happy.
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Great Babysitter Characteristics
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According to the University of Illinois, characteristics of a good babysitter include good health---since children can be more susceptible to sicknesses---dependability, responsibility, maturity, good manners and a business-like attitude. It is important to love being around little children, but you also should know something about child development, how they think and effective teaching and discipline strategies. Understand that all families are different and may not do things the same way as your home.
Personal Safety
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The American Red Cross advises babysitters to market themselves safely. Advertise to parents at locations you trust such as your church, school or community center. Get to know the parents and guardians of children you babysit and always discuss what you know with your own parents before taking a job. Do not post flyers in public places or advertise online.
While on the job, make sure to take everyone's safety seriously. Do not open the door without checking that it is someone you know and expect, and do not accept unexpected deliveries or allow service people into the home. Do not let anyone inside who is using alcohol or drugs, not even your friends. When strangers call, do not tell them you are the babysitter, and do not let on that the parent is not at home. Just offer to take a message.
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Home Safety
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Make sure you have necessary emergency contact numbers. The 911 system is important for emergencies, but have information for doctors, neighbors, family members and the address and phone number for where you are. Get contact information for the parents, including where they are going, how long they will be away and when to expect them home. Ask if there will be visitors or expected phone calls, and how they want you to handle them. Check with parents about emergency supplies, operating appliances and caring for pets, if required.
Child Information
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It is your job to handle meals, medication, playtime, bedtime, bath time and discipline. Ask parents about food allergies or restrictions such as: no soda after 6:00 pm or finish schoolwork before having chocolate. Unless the parents give you permission, do not give children medication. Make sure to find out if there is anything the kids need to accomplish including homework, chores and practices. Do not forget to ask parents about rules and discipline. Kids usually know what they can get away with, and asking the parents first gives you authority.
Certification
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The American Red Cross offers babysitters training programs and camps. They teach marketing and interview techniques, leadership strategies, understanding different age groups, choosing safe toys, basic care and first aid, and infant and child CPR certification. Check in your community or online to find other places that offer babysitter programs and CPR certification.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit babypuppe image by Angelika Bentin from Fotolia.com
