How to keep babysitting easy and fun

How many times have you had to babysit a child? These tips will work for any age and help take the stress out of any babysitting job!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• coloring books/crayons
• change of clothes
• a deck of flash cards
• energy!!

1. When arriving at the sitting spot, never say "We're going to have fun today!" This gives the child free range to think of what he or she THINKS is fun, but may not be allowed to do...such as write on the walls with permanent ink. Instead, when the child's parents leave, play a "get to know each other game" such as 20 questions or flash cards. Flash cards are my favorite. Hold out two cards: "Sports" and "Music" then have the child pick which one they like better. Which ever they choose, have flash cards that fit into those categories. Let's say they choose Sports. You could then have two cards: Basketball or Football. If they don't like either of those, have them tell you which sport they like. Kids love it and it's a great way for you to get to know the child so you can base your evening around their interests.
2. If the child you are babysitting really shows an interest in sports and energetic activities, the LAST thing the child should be doing is sitting and watching television all day. This can get boring for a child, and if he or she is bored, this is when trouble starts. If he or she really enjoys sports, go out in the back yard and play catch or walk to the end of the driveway and race to the garage. It's great for the kids because they'll sleep well that night, and there's nothing better than hearing them laugh after "beating" you....yes...let them win.
3. If you have a shy child who loves music and/or arts and crafts, put on their favorite CDs and get out the coloring books and crayons, or pieces of paper they have and sketch. Even if you are not artistically inclined, he or she will love whatever you draw, because you created it with them! Don't be shy around the child, they can tell.
4. Last but not least: always praise a child for being well-behaved at the end of your time with them. Kids love to hear that they are good kids. Some people do not realize that kids' feelings are hurt if they do everything they are asked to do and do not even get a high-five for it. Do not be afraid to hug a child after they "beat you" in a foot raise or high-five them when they draw a great picture. They love the attention!

Tips & Warnings

• Note Let the child use the flash cards on you so that he or she can get to know you as well!
• Never just make a child watch television all day
• The job is not about the money, it's about the child having a good time! The last thing you want is a child screaming the whole time or acting up because he/she miss his/her parents. That's why I love the flash cards! It helps the child focus on something other than the fact that their parents are gone.
• These techniques will not work with infants. All infants want to do is sleep, eat, and potty.