Babysitting for Beginners

Babysitting is a challenging and rewarding job that many teenagers perform regularly even before they're old enough to drive a car. Half of being a good babysitter means obtaining key information from the parents before they leave the house. Combining essential safety information with a sense of fun and patience will help ensure that you, and your babysitting charges, enjoy your time together.

  1. Health and Safety Information

    • Speak with parents, preferably before the day of babysitting, regarding important rules and information. Write down or ask for a list of emergency contact numbers along with any allergies, medications or other relevant medical conditions the children may have. Discuss any recent or possible illnesses affecting the children, such as ear infections, strep throat or chicken pox. You must decide whether you want to assume responsibility for a potentially sick child. Knowing the children's health status also helps keep you from panicking if you see symptoms of that illness.

    House Rules

    • Discuss the house rules with the parents before they leave for the evening. Knowing the parents' stand on issues such as eating in the family room, pacifiers, and how much TV the children may watch helps you establish consistent boundaries with the kids and saves you from battling over something the parents would allow. If possible, inquire about the rules while the children are present so you all hear the same guidelines.

    Engagement

    • Engaging the children in play or story time lets you monitor their safety and keeps them from entertaining themselves by, oh, say, flying off the staircase. Let the kids burn off some energy outside by playing tag, making an obstacle course in the front driveway using Hula-Hoops, or playing jump rope or hopscotch. Make a cake or brownies from a mix and let the kids take turns stirring and pouring. Always clean up the mess, regardless of which activities you choose.

    Err on the Side of Caution

    • Being responsible for someone else's children means being extra cautious when it comes to safety. Require the children to wear bike helmets and seat belts, and to hold your hand if crossing the street. Five-year-old Lila may insist that her parents let her cut with a sharp knife, but that doesn't mean you have to. Explain she can use a knife when her parents are present, but you're responsible for her safety while they're away and you don't feel comfortable letting her use a knife. Being overly cautious is more responsible than being overly permissive.

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