How to Be a Good Baby Sitter

Baby-sitting, for some, is the first job in a lifetime of employment. Learn some basic skills to land and keep a baby-sitting job - skills that may carry over into your job-seeking future.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Book Bags
• Paper And Pencils
• Board Games
• Outdoor Games

1. Arrive a few minutes early. Fill out the emergency information sheet and ask any questions before the parents have to leave. If the parent is picking you up, fill out as much of the information as possible and ask questions during the ride.
2. Ask for emergency information, important phone numbers and directions to the house as soon as you arrive. Bring an emergency checklist just in case the parents don't have one.
3. Include the full names of children and parents and any necessary medical information about the children.
4. Meet the family dog. If you don't feel comfortable with the dog, ask the parents to put the dog in a room or outside. Your responsibility is children, not animals.
5. Walk through the house and do a safety check. Close the doors to rooms you don't want the children in. Look for hazards such as matches, hanging electrical cords, medications or other things children can get hurt with.
6. Look for a pool. If there is a pool, make sure the doors, windows and doggie door is locked securely. Also, check for life preserver rings and other safety rescue devices to use in case a child does fall into the pool.
7. Follow the routines the parents set up for you. Chances are they are routines the children are familiar with. When children have clear and consistent expectations, behavior problems are minimal.
8. Interact with the children. When you are playing with the children, you will have them in your sight, and they will be too busy to get hurt or in trouble. Ask the children what they want to do and have fun doing it.

Tips & Warnings

• Check out Related Sites for a baby sitter's checklist that you can print, or search the Web for one you like.
• Make a baby-sitting kit to bring with you. Fill it full of fun things to do when time starts to drag or boredom sets in.
• Make sure you check to see whether the door is locked before you go outside with the children. You don't want to lock yourself out.
• Don't invite visitors over. It is unprofessional and distracting to your duties.
• Wait until the children are in bed to do any schoolwork or other activities you bring with you.
• Don't open the door for strangers. Lock all doors and windows as soon as the parents leave.