Babysitting 101

Hey everyone!

Hope you're having a fabulous weekend! 

So I recently picked up a pretty steady babysitting job. It was a little scary at first, (especially because I'm a shyer person) but now I get along really well them the kids and have fun while I'm doing it! So if you guys are starting out in the babysitting world, or have already started, here's some tips on how to be a good babysitter! 

1. Prepare for the job! 

Figure out what day you'll be babysitting, then write it down on a calendar or set a reminder on your phone! 

2. Write down any important information! 

Call the parents and ask them if there's anything you'll need to know about the child your looking after. Get the parents cellphone numbers; house address; child's name; any allergies they may have; find out where the first aid kit is kept; where the baby bottles are kept; spare clothes; etc. 

3. Ask about house rules in advance!

Ask if you can do certain things such as cook; use the t.v; use the computer; watch movies; use the phone; answer phone calls; take the kids to a park; play outside; etc. 

4. If someone drops by....

Never answer the door unless you or the parents are expecting anyone, and only open the door once you're sure it's that person! 

5. Plan out what you're going to do! 

Every kid is different, so their interests may vary. If they aren't sure what to do, try suggesting making puppets or colouring! If they have an activity they like to do, don't complain and don't be lazy. Just make sure they're safe and following the rules! 

6. Put them to bed at the time the parents want them in bed! 

Don't let them fall asleep to early or too late. If they go to bed too early, they may wake up later and not want to go back to sleep! A good way to get them into bed on time if they're a little on the stubborn side is to tell them it's bedtime 5-10 minutes before the actual set bedtime. When they argue, say "okay just 5-10 more minutes." This way they'll think they've won the argument when really they'll be going to bed on time. 

7. Be responsible!

Clean up before the parents get home and while the kids are sleeping. Pick up any toys or dirty dishes from the day. 

8. Play with the kids! 

This one's a given. But some babysitters sit on their phone the entire time and let chaos happen. Don't go afraid to go outside and get your hands dirty! Remember that kids report how much they liked the babysitter and if they go on and on about how fun you were, you may be asked to babysit again! Not only that, but it helps build up a reputation in your community and other parents may start asking you to babysit their kids! 

9. Play-dates! 

In a small town like mine, my friends are usually babysitting on the same days I am. Make arrangements with your friend to go to the park with your kids and their kids. This way the kids get out of the house, use a lot of energy, and make new friends! 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Good luck guys! Hope this helps!