Babysitting Basics

Babysitter Want Ad Create a want ad for an ideal babysitter Make sure to include all qualities you’d want in a babysitter!

Brainstorming Responsibilities List responsibilities good babysitters have: List responsibilities parents have when they hire a babysitter:

Safety is a large concern for parents. Babysitting Basics How do you think parents of the children you care for define the word “babysitter?” Safety is a large concern for parents.

Safety for Infants Do not leave an infant in a chair or changing table unattended. Support the infant’s head. Keep small things that can be swallowed easily away from the infant. Do not leave an infant unattended in the bathtub. Make sure their face is free of covers, clothing, or anything that may interfere with their breathing.

Safety for Toddlers Toddlers have no understanding of danger. They need to be watched constantly, unless they are in a secure area. Toddlers can pull things down on top of them easily. Make sure that all objects are far from the edge of tables or counters. Make sure cleaners are in cabinets that are locked or out of reach from children. Keep toddlers from walking up and down stairs unless you are with them. Make sure there are safety plugs in outlets or move furniture in front of the outlets.

Safety for Preschoolers and Up Hold hands when crossing streets. Establish rules so they know their limits. Supervise outside play and water play. Never permit play with sharp objects – darts, knives, pointed sticks, or scissors. Discuss Safety with the child.

Safety Fact Look through the home to see if there are any dangerous things that you should keep the child away from (fireplace, stairway, etc.)

Babysitting Business Ahead of Time Agree on a rate of pay. Verify the rules of the house: television, mealtime, bathtime, bedtime, and special privileges Pack toys or items suitable for the age of the children you will be watching. Agree on transportation. Visit the house and meet the children.

Babysitting Business When You Arrive Be sure you know where the parents are going, when they will be back, and how you can reach them. Have an emergency list of phone numbers handy (also add a neighbor or close relative’s number to the list) Ask questions about bedtime, snacks, etc.

Babysitting Business On the Job Play and care for the children. Lock the doors once parents leave. Do not open doors for strangers. Dress neatly and be clean. Tidy up around the house as children are done playing. Follow instructions set by parents.

In case of illness or an accident call the parents, most parents will call to “check in” and will want to know what is going on.

Babysitting Business When Parents Return Tell parents about unusual behaviors, falls, cuts, bumps, or bruises. (Honesty is the best policy) Be sure that you are appropriately paid for the services. Express your interest in babysitting again if you would like to.

Babysitting Business Never, Never Do Raid the refrigerator. Snoop around in drawers, closets, or medicine cabinets. Yell at children for misbehaving. Talk on the phone all night with your best friend. Invite people to “stop in” while you’re babysitting. Spank a child.

Babysitting Business Only with Parent’s Permission Answer the phone and take messages. Allow visitors over. Take the children anywhere – park, movies, etc.

Babysitter Critical Writing Assignment Answer one of the writing prompts in two paragraphs.

How do you handle this problem? The parents have arrived home late and they’ve been drinking a great deal.

How do you handle this problem? While you are babysitting, you notice a shadow of a person outside the window.

How do you handle this problem? The child refuses to cooperate with you. You refused to give him a snack now and the child said that he would tell his parents and that they would never ask you back again.

How do you handle this problem? While you are changing the baby’s diaper, the older sister gets into a cleaning product that you think may be poisonous.

How do you handle this problem? While you are eating dinner, the little boy begins choking and cannot seem to catch his breath.

How do you handle this problem? You have to cancel babysitting because of a family emergency.

How can we safety-proof our homes?

Gates at the top and bottom of stairways Rubber coated coverings for sharp corners Plastic plugs for electrical outlets Cabinet locks Test any small objects laying out in child’s reach with the “no-choke testing tube” or a toilet paper insert cardboard roll

Babysitting Brochure