Babysitting

 

Many teens take on babysitting after school and/or in the evenings and on weekends to earn extra money. Taking care of children is a tremendous responsibility, and some of the things you need to consider as a babysitter are covered in this section.

 

Your number ONE priority as a babysitter is the SAFETY of the children that you are watching!

 

Before accepting a position as a babysitter, meet with the parent(s) and child(ren) prior to the time you are to baby-sit. It would be preferable to meet a few days before your babysitting engagement to meet the child(ren) and spend some time with them while their parent(s) are near by. Just as it is important for the parent(s) to interview you and make sure you are the right person to care for their child(ren), it is also just as important for YOU to interview the parent.

 

You need to take a notebook and have your questions ready for the parent(s). You need to know about the child. Does the child have allergies, take any medications, have a naptime, have a favorite toy or blanket? Small children learning to speak may use special words to express their needs; you need to know these. (For example, “Wa-wa” for water, etc.) Do you know the child’s bedtime and snack time? Can the child have friends over to visit? What are the television and telephone regulations? What are the permissible activities, such as outside playing, going for walks, bicycle riding?

 

Before the parent(s) leaves you alone with the child(ren) , make sure you have written down:

• Where the parent will be and the phone number;
• What time will the parent be home;
• Who else should you call if you need help;
• Are there any hazards around the house you should be aware of (guns, woodstove, etc.).

 

As a babysitter, tell our parents whom you are babysitting for, the address and telephone number, what hours you will be babysitting, and when our parents can expect you home.

 

When you baby-sit, be sure to:

• LOCK THE DOORS!
• Have respect for people’s home and property;
• Do not have any of your friends over or talk on the telephone unless you have prior permission;
• Watch or check on the children often – REMEMBER THE CHILDREN ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY;
• Phone calls – know how the parents want you to handle phone calls. Do not give out information. Call the police if anything is suspicious or disturbing.

 

BE PREPARED: Let’s take a test. What would you do if:

• The child does not want to go to bed;
• The child says he/she does not feel good;
• The child cuts his/her finger;
• A strange car pulls up and parks outside;
• A stranger knocks on the door;
• The parents are not home when they said they would be;
• You hear a strange noise;
• The child is missing.

 

For more information related to BABYSITTING, there are several agencies that give babysitting classes and certification. Call our local police department and/or County Extension Office, or Red Cross Office.