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.
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Instructions
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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.
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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.
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Include the full names of children and parents and any necessary medical information about the children.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Comments
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littlemissgloom
Aug 20, 2010
thank you, i am about to start babysitting for the very first time!!! the only thing is this child is under 6 mths. what do i do? please help 5* -
chanter
Nov 04, 2009
Great tips 5* ^-^
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Sep 14, 2006
In order to keep certain required events on track (homework, bedtime), you need to make sure that the child knows what's happening and approximately how long. If it looks like you will need to change activities for sure at any point (bed), start persuading the kid at least 6 minutes before you actually want them to start the new activity, as children take longer than adults to begin a new task, even if they are obedient.
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Sep 14, 2006
In order to keep certain required events on track (homework, bedtime), you need to make sure that the child knows what's happening and approximately how long. If it looks like you will need to change activities for sure at any point (bed), start persuading the kid at least 6 minutes before you actually want them to start the new activity, as children take longer than adults to begin a new task, even if they are obedient.
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Aug 30, 2006
Younger children are often scared of monsters when going go sleep. As suggested in previous tips, bring a babysitting bag with interesting things. Prepare a spray bottle with water labeled "monster spray". When the child complains of a monster when they're trying to go to sleep, say "OH! perfect, we can use my monster spray! It works every time!" explain that once you spray, it keeps all the monsters away! Remember, if they're young enough to believe in monsters, they're probably going to believe in the spray. just make sure you're confident and convincing. It has worked several times for me!
