Things You'll Need:
- First-aid kit
- Age-appropriate games, crafts and other activities
- Book or magazine
- Food (optional)
-
Step 1
Arrive 5 to 15 minutes before you are scheduled to begin your babysitting job. Meet with the parents/guardians to introduce yourself to the family and children and to get any important information, such as contact information, allergies, needed medicines or care and house rules.
-
Step 2
Once the parents leave, gather all of the kids in one room to tell the kids a little more about yourself and learn more about them. Find out how they know each other, if they aren’t related, and ask them what kinds of activities they like to do when their parents are gone for the night. You might also want to set some ground rules for the day/night.
-
Step 3
Prepare a meal or snack, if necessary. The kids might all have different requests, which you may be able to handle, but if your group is too large, you don’t have the types of food they request or you don’t feel comfortable creating a large food spread, you may have to simply tell them that everyone will be eating the same type of food.
-
Step 4
Depending on the age levels of the children you are babysitting, you may want to suggest everyone play a game, listen to music or watch television or a movie. Possibilities are endless—singing karaoke, playing trivia, reading/telling stories, dancing and making crafts. If the parents allow, playing outside also may be an option. If you have a group of children that range in age, you might have to get one group of children doing one activity, while another child or two plays together or spends time with you.
-
Step 5
If you are babysitting at night and are instructed to do so, you might have to make sure the kids get their baths or get ready for bed. A couple of the children may be able to take a bath together, and some may require to bath or shower separately. Make sure the child or children who are not in the bathroom are securely in the house, a room or a crib if you must accompany a child in the bathroom—they may be able to quietly watch a movie or play a game while you assist a younger child. Check up on both sets of children from time to time, if possible.
-
Step 6
Once the children are ready for bed, make sure each one is in their place and secure in the location. You may have to read a bedtime story or quietly rock or sing to a child, if they request it. While they are sleeping, you should quietly watch television or read, but make sure you check in on them from time to time until the parents arrive.
-
Step 7
When the parents return home, let them know about everything you and the children did and if you had any problems.
