Questions to Ask Before Babysitting a Child

Teens and young adults take babysitting jobs to earn extra money while in school. Friends and family members also may offer to babysit a child to help parents go on a date or attend an interview. Babysitting can go smoothly when sitters know what to expect, so babysitters need to ask certain questions to ensure that parents provide necessary details.

  1. Are There Any Pets?

    • Before agreeing to babysit, a sitter should ask if any pets are on location. This is especially important if the sitter is allergic to or has a phobia of a specific pet. It is also important to ask whether the pet has any special needs as well. For example, the pet may need to be fed or let out at a certain time. A pet may also be antagonistic toward strangers or overly protective of a child. The sitter must ask about how to calm the pet and where to stow the pet, such as a bathroom or kennel, if necessary.

    What Time Will You Be Home?

    • Parents may be quick to ask a sitter to arrive at a certain hour but may not be so sure of what time they will return. Be sure to ask when the parents will return to ensure against any time conflicts of your own but also to ensure a ride home if necessary. Also, asking parents to designate a time of their return will signal to them that when they arrive home is important to you and will leave them less inclined to arrive home later than stated.

    What Is the Child's Routine?

    • Babysitters must ask parents about the child's eating and bedtime routines to avoid behavior problems that result from hunger or tiredness. This is especially true for children with special needs, such as autism. Make sure parents tell you whether a bedtime story is required, if keeping a light on is expected and if sips of water or late night snacks are allowed. Keeping to the child's routine can help ensure a pleasant night for the child, the babysitter and the parents, and it helps prevent unnecessary anxiety about separation for both the parents and the child.

    Does the Child Have Special Needs?

    • Every child is different. Babysitters must be prepared to address the needs of the child on terms that the parents have already established. Some children require a lot of affection from their caretakers to feel safe and comforted. Some children may be taking medicine or be allergic to certain foods that are kept in the home for other family members. Write down the special needs of the child so that no mistakes are made.

    What Activities Is the Child Allowed to Do?

    • A sitter may be more strict or less strict than a child's parents. For example, some parents may allow a child to watch violent movies while others do not. If a sitter exposes a sheltered child to a violent movie, then it is uncertain how the child will react. It is best to leave that discovery to the parents.

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