How to Babysit a Friend's Child

Babysitting your friend's child can be a great way for you to earn some extra cash and help your buddy out. However, this is a situation that could potentially cause some conflict between you and your friend. In reality, babysitting your friend's kid should be a stress-free experience for everybody involved. Here is how to babysit a friend's child.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Talk to your friend about the rules his child must follow. Every parent obviously has different rules when it comes to his or her children. Information that you must know should include any snacks your friend may not want the child to eat, television shows the child is not allowed to watch and if and when the child takes a nap.

2. Inform your friend of what you plan to do while babysitting his child. You may feel that since the child you're babysitting is your friend's that you don't need to keep your friend updated on your plans for the day. It's important to let your friend know if you plan to take the child somewhere or have other children over, for example. These things may seem harmless to you but could anger your friend if your friend is unaware of your plans.

3. Make it known to the child early that you are an authority figure while babysitting. There is a pretty good chance that you have an already existing relationship with your friend's child. The child probably sees you as another friend. You must establish early that the two of you are not equals. You are the boss when babysitting and the child must follow the rules or else there will be consequences.

4. Do not be afraid to punish the child if the child does not follow the rules. Many people feel that it is not “their place” to punish their friend's child. If you are babysitting your friend's child, a punishment may be necessary if the child is unruly. Making the child take a “timeout” or not allowing the child to watch TV should be a suitable punishment that will not upset your friend.

5. Remember to have some fun with your friend's child. This is important when babysitting any child and especially important when babysitting a child that you already have a relationship with. Take the child to the park or play some board games with the child. Even though you are an authority figure while babysitting the child, there is no reason why the two of you shouldn't still get along.

6. Give your friend a detailed report when he comes to pick the child up. This report should include what you and the child did during the day, where you went and if you needed to punish the child. Be sure to include any and all details because your child will do the same once your friend and his child leave.

[oneloved]

on 7/5/2008 Good tips!