BABYSITTING TIPS

Babysitting Tips can help you to become a better babysitter. It is an exciting and great way to make money, not only as a teen but at any age. It is very important to be ready for the responsibility.

An often overlooked part of babysitting is making sure the sitter is safe. Normally the focus is on protecting the children. However, the young sitter should always let parents, friends or family know where she or he is. Sitters with mobile phones should keep them handy.

The new sitter especially should make sure she takes only jobs she can handle. It is easy to get carried away and want to please people, offering to take care of children. However, looking after too many children can be hard work. It is important to know limits. Those experienced with looking after children may feel comfortable with caring for four or more children simultaneously. Yet it is sensible to start with one child and gradually work up confidence as skill grows.
 





Ensure all necessary contact numbers and details are available. The most important number is that of the parent's mobile phone. Also have the full address of the sitting location to hand in case you emergency services need to be called. Also ask the parents for a secondary contact person who is nearby, preferably a neighbor, especially if the parents will be out of town.




The babysitter should know at least basic first aid. Accidents can happen, and it is vital to be prepared. Contacting the local Red Cross and asking about courses in first aid and CPR training can truly improve chances of getting babysitting jobs. It will show parents that a sitter is dedicated and qualified. Besides such information can be helpful throughout life.




Check with the parents about any special rules. If a child asks to do something and you are unsure, it is always a safe bet to say no rather than trusting the child. The parent can be consulted for future sessions. Or if it is appropriate that they be interrupted, call them directly. The parent will trust you more for it, and its better safe than sorry, Never be ashamed to ask!




           BABYSITTING CHECK LIST

Babysitters can get swept away in the tide of events and end up forgetting to ask something vital. Using a BABYSITTING CHECK LIST is a good aid in remembering all the things to ask or know. Some of these are vital health and safety concerns, whereas others are there to ease your mind or make babysitting more fun. Feel free to add or remove items to this checklist, there may be special rules or circumstances.

Contact Numbers

It is absolutely essential to have all the important contact numbers. Make sure mobile numbers for the parents, as well as the phone for where you are babysitting are all written down in a convenient place. Always ensure to have a backup contact number for a relative who lives close in case the parents can not be gotton hold of.

The Babysitting Address

Make sure you have the address of where you will be babysitting.  Emergency services may ask the name of the closest major road or intersection to help them should they have difficulty finding the address, so write that down also.

Know the Neighbors

Ask the child’s parents for a neighbor's details so they can help you in an emergency. The parents should make certain that the neighbor will be in when you are babysitting, but remind them. Having people nearby that can help should something go wrong is very important. Make sure you only go to these neighbors, as you don’t know what the other people who live nearby are like at all, and knocking on a strangers door is never a good idea so BE CAREFUL.

Allergies

Check if the children have any allergies and, of course, avoid at all costs. Some allergies can be life threatening; so always be careful. Ask if there is anything you should do if a child comes into contact with an allergen, as you should always be prepared.

Medical Conditions

You should never give drugs to a child unless explicitly asked to by the child’s parents. If a child feels unwell, seems to be developing a cold or flu, and you think they might need a pain reliever, then phone the parents to make sure you are allowed to do so - even if the child tells you its fine. Ask the parents if the children are unable to have certain medical treatments or drugs, such as penicillin as medical personal will need to know this information instantly in an emergency.

Other Stuff

You will also want to know bedtimes, allowed snacks, allowed games and activities, and any rules governing behavior and misbehavior. Many children have a bedtime, knowing this will go a long way in keeping them comfortable and happy. Finally, you will want to know where the parents are going, and when they are expected to return.



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