How to Become An Awesome Babysitter

Babysitting is a very admirable job! Not everyone is cut out for it, but many are! If you feel that you aren't the best babysitter around, follow these steps to get the reputation as "best babysitter on the block!"

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Get to know the family that you are babysitting for. If this is your first time sitting for them, ask to meet with them beforehand so that you can become comfortable around them.

2. When you meet the children, ask them LOTS of questions. Find out their ages and interests. Take notes! Find out their favorite movies and music! Take some more notes.

3. Talk to them on their level and let them get to know you so that they can trust you.

4. Go home and look over your notes. You may want to do a bit of research on the ages of the children to see some age appropriate activities you could do with each of them. You will want to look up the movies and music they are into as well.

5. Now that you are comfortable with the family and know some about the children, you are ready to babysit.

6. Plan out exactly what you want to do with the children when you babysit them. Don't just arrive at the house without a clue. Make a list beforehand of activities to do or crafts to make.

7. Dress properly for babysitting. You can dress the way you want on your own time. Now is the time to dress for your job- babysitting. You will want to wear something that you don't mind getting dirty. Don't show any skin inappropriately. Also, you might consider taking out any offensive piercings. This just goes along with professionalism. You can put them back in after you are done babysitting.

8. Arrive to the house on time. Arriving slightly early is okay, but NEVER arrive late.

9. Greet the parents professionally and happily! Tell the kids that it is great to see them again and that you guys are going to have LOTS of fun!

10. Make sure to get all of the necessary information from the parents such as emergency contacts and where they will be going. Ask for instructions for the children and make sure you know of any food allergies.

11. Once the parents have left, let the fun begin! Pull out your list of activities and get going with it! Hopefully if you require any materials to do your activities or crafts, you have brought them with you.

12. Keep the time rolling with fun, age appropriate activities. Make sure to take breaks for bathroom and eating.

13. Make the children love you by being fun, but still in charge. They will most likely tell their parents that they want YOU to be their babysitter next time!