Babysitting Facts for Kids

When you're a kid, landing your first babysitting job is an exciting and thrilling event. It indicates an increase in responsibility and signifies that the adults in your life are willing to trust you with the health and safety of smaller children. Whether your first gig involves babysitting your younger sibling or the children of a friend or neighbor, it's important to arm yourself with some basic facts to ensure your success.

  1. Meals and Snacks

    • Always find out whether the parents of your charges expect you to feed them meals or snacks. If the parent will be gone only for an hour or two, there may be no need to feed the children. On the other hand, they may expect you to prepare a simple lunch or dinner while you're on duty. Always ask about any food allergies the children may have or if there are any foods in the house that are off limits. Tidy up after meals or snacks, wipe the kids' faces and hands and wash any dishes you dirty, or rinse them and place them in the dishwasher.

    Play and Rest

    • The best babysitters always spend time playing with the children and keeping them entertained rather than leaving them to their own devices. Ask the parents whether outside play is appropriate under your supervision or if they'd rather you keep the little ones indoors. Help the children pick up and put away any toys after playtime, and avoid games that are too rowdy and could result in an injury. After play, small children often require a nap. Clear this with parents as well. Some may want the kids to take a nap so they're not cranky later, while others may prefer to avoid a nap that may interfere with bedtime. Always ask and never assume.

    Safety and Emergencies

    • The best way to prepare for emergencies and arm yourself with up-to-date safety information is to take a babysitting class. Babysitting courses are often available at community colleges, hospitals, community centers, public-service organizations and online. A babysitting course will teach you how to handle emergencies, keep the children entertained and handle responsibility. Most courses include first aid instruction as well. Always ask parents for emergency contact numbers for themselves, the family doctor, local fire and police departments and the poison control center (although 911 may cover all emergency services). Obtain the name, address and telephone number of a trustworthy neighbor as well, in case of an emergency.

    Discipline

    • While it's nice when the children behave perfectly when mom and dad are out, life doesn't always work that way. Ask the parents for tips on discipline and what methods they implement. Never spank a child who is in your care. Use a method such as a brief time out to restore order to the household. When the parents return, inform them of any behavior problems that occurred while they were away, and report perfect behavior as well.

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