How to Babysit a Two-Year-Old Girl
Babysitting a two-year-old girl is not different from babysitting a two-year-old boy. However, babysitting a toddler requires more preparation than babysitting an older child or much younger child. Mobility and short attention spans create a high energy babysitting experience. The area where the childcare takes place must be prepared for a curious and mobile child. A two-year-old girl sways between the development of a toddler and a preschooler. A babysitter can help development along with appropriate activities while caring for the basic needs of the child.
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Things You'll Need
- Age appropriate toys
- Telephone or cell phone
- Pen
- Paper
- Crayons
- Baby gates
Instructions
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Preparing to Babysit
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Develop a basic understanding of the mental and physical abilities of two-year-olds. Have on hand the number for poison control, local emergency services (if not 911) and an experienced childcare giver who can provide provide you with quick nonemergency advice.
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If babysitting at home, childproof your house. Place a baby gate at the top and bottom of all staircases. Two-year-old girls crawl, walk and run. Display fragile home decorations, photographs and other treasured items on high shelves. Safeguard against access to harmful chemicals and sharp objects.
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Discuss with the two-year-old's parents what activities and tasks they expect you to accomplish with their daughter. This information guides decision making through the babysitting time. Ask them what activities she enjoys and have on hand needed supplies.
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Make sure to collect all pertinent health information and emergency phone numbers. Write this information down in a notebook. Place the notebook in your pocket or hang it in an obvious spot in the home such as on the refrigerator.
Babysitting the Two-Year-Old
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Engage the child immediately. Some two-year-old girls may have separation anxiety. Your interaction may distract her while her parents leave.
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Care for all of her basic needs. Check to see if she needs to use the potty or needs her diaper changed. Children at this age are normally potty trained or will know if they need changing. Feed her when she is hungry. Put her down for any scheduled nap times.
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Spend time playing. Playtime teaches toddlers concepts and develops skills. Using her hands to scribble on paper with crayons builds motor skills. The "Simon Says" game helps her identify body parts, follow directions and listen for cue words.
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Respect the parents' home as your own. Clean up any dishes and food from mealtimes. The two-year-old should help put away toys after playtime and throw trash away. Clean up near the expected time of the parents' arrival.
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When the parents arrive home, give them a brief overview of the time you spent with the child. Tell them what and when you fed her. Describe games played and any milestones in development. Provide a clear picture so that her parents can provide feedback to you in regards to activities, her behavior and her diet for next time.
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Tips & Warnings
Some parents choose to set up a distracting activity for the child prior to their departure. Don't interrupt the child until after the parent leaves or it could lead to a tantrum and a delayed departure for the parents.
Come prepared with many ideas for activities. A child between two and three years old may have an attention span as short as three minutes and usually no longer than eight minutes.
Practice vigilance. Toddlers move quickly and explore everything. Keep an eye on them at all times.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jeff Randall/Digital Vision/Getty Images
