How to Be a Good Babysitter

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Babysitting is a great way to make a little extra cash. While babysitting itself isn’t difficult, being a good babysitter takes some effort. Taking the time to be a good babysitter often results in more babysitting jobs, referrals to other families and, ultimately, more earned money. These simple steps will help you to be the best babysitter you can be.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

-crayons
-coloring books
-cell phone
-emergency contact numbers
-a copy of the schedule

How to Be a Good Babysitter

Step1

Be on time. Babysitting is a job and, therefore, like any other job, you want to arrive on time. Being punctual identifies you as a responsible person; it will make parents confident about leaving their children with you. On the contrary, arriving late demonstrates irresponsibility and can almost guarantee you won’t get a call back to babysit again.

Step2

Be an active babysitter. While the concept of babysitting is pretty simple, the actual job goes beyond literally just watching children. An active babysitter will participate in activities with the children. Activities can be as simple as reading a story or as complex as helping the child write a report. It is important to keep in mind that babysitting isn’t just about what the parents think about you. It is also about building a bond with the children. If the children like you as their babysitter, the parents will be more likely to call you to babysit again.

Step3

Try to keep it normal. Many children have schedules and while their parents are around, they follow them. However, once a new person comes into the mix, the children may try to encourage you to deviate from the routine. For example, the child may want to stay up later. Sticking to the schedule shows the parents that you have respect for their rules and it demonstrates to the children that they can’t pull a quick one on you.

Step4

Organize and participate. When you go to babysit, organize activities for the children. For example, everyone can play a board game or watch a movie together. It’s important that you participate in these activities. This will make both the children and parents happy because it will show you are an active babysitter.

Step5

Actually watch the kids. Be in tune to what the children need and want. For example, if a child is cranky and you know they haven’t taken a nap, put them down for one. Listen and observe what is going on around you. This will tell you what needs to be done and it will give you a better idea about what you need to do to keep the child content.

Tips & Warnings

Bring along some coloring books for the children and color with them.
Do not deviate from the schedule that the parents give you. If they have rules, they obviously have reasons for those rules.