7 things you should
know about babysitting.
Before
you decide to make a quick buck babysitting someone’s kids know that there is a
lot of responsibility and work to do. Babysitting is not for everyone and in no
way an easy task, but if done right, babysitting can be enjoyable and very rewarding. Here
are 7 things you should know before babysitting.
1)
Be prepared
-expectations: some parents will have high expectations for you such as
feeding the children dinner and putting them to bed, others will just want you to make
sure they don’t destroy the house.
-get digits: get the parent’s number so that you can contact them in case
of emergency.
-routines: some family’s will have a strict routine for you to follow,
others will be more relaxed, and yet others will have no routines at all. (you probably
wont want to babysit that family again)
2)
safety, safety, safety
- In the house: when using the
stove have the kids busy with another activity preferably in the other room. Keep an eye out for
unsafe things like broken toys.
- Outside: make sure you dress the
children properly before you go outside. Do they need gloves and a hat? Do they
need sunscreen? Look out for insect nests like beehives or a fire ant hill. Is
the play set safe to play on?
- Child safety: a growing number
of children now have allergies. Some have asthma, or other miner medical problems.
Make sure you know if the children have any medical problems and how to deal with
them.
3)
house rules
- TV and Electronics: when parents
go out on a date night they will normally have a movie for you to watch with
the kids after dinner. Some parents want the kids to have no TV while they are
gone this is when you have to get creative, and some kids just don’t care for
TV or electronics at all.
- rooms off-limits: are there
certain rooms that the kids are not allowed in, for example mom and dads
bedroom.
-food: what are the kids allowed to
have? Can they have that piece of candy they keep on asking for or is candy a
no while mom and dad are gone? Do they need to have a glass of milk with dinner
or can they have juice?
4)
discipline
-the
do’s: follow the instructions of the parents.
-the
don’ts : yell, hit, or be abusive in any way be careful with your words.
5)
keeping kids happy
-plan activities: when you bring something fun to do with the kids you
automatically become the best babysitter they have had. It could be simply bringing
new crayons and a coloring book.
-be the boss: yes you are the boss,
and when the kids know this it will make for a better babysitting experience for
everyone.
6) let’s talk money
-how much to charge: are you new
to babysitting, then the going rate is $7.25-$8 an hour, some will pay more because
of multiple children. Some family's have a flat rate for the night. When you get
more experience you can charge more.
-tabs: if you consistently babysit
for a family you can run a tab for them that they can pay at the end of the
month.
-payment method: make sure you
know how you will be paid. Cash or check?
6)
extra extra extra
-clean up after yourself: if you and the children make a mess clean it
up, and if your feeling really nice do a little extra.
- a days report: give the parents a report on how your time with the kids
went. Did Jonny eat all his dinner, or did sue play nice with her brother.
-
tell the truth: be honest if something got broke or Sam has been throwing tantrums
all night tell them. No one likes or trusts a lying babysitter.
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