What You and Your Babysitter Need to Know

Boys and girls often seek to earn extra money by babysitting. But as a parent, how can you be sure your local pre-teen or teenager is a good babysitter? And what responsibilities do you have as a parent? Soon the structure of school will make way for some relaxed summer vacation. While parents are working older children might be left in charge of younger siblings or even themselves. Parents need to set the expectations and ensure your youth are able to accept the responsibilities of home alone or babysitting.

What Makes a Good Babysitter?

You hire a babysitter so your children will be safe when you are away from home. You want someone with maturity and judgment, someone who likes children and will do fun things with them. The babysitter should know something about child behavior, be able to handle basic needs such as meals and putting the child to bed, and have the training to deal with any problems or emergencies that may arise.

Your Responsibilities as the Parent

• Introduce the babysitter to your children and pets.
• Give a tour of your home, indicating areas which are off-limits or dangerous to the child.
• Leave emergency telephone numbers, including neighbors who can provide assistance, and the number at which you can be reached.
• Make sure the babysitter knows when to use 9-1-1
• Show where the first-aid supplies are kept.
• Brief the babysitter about allergies, medications or other medical information.
• Indicate what TV programs, music or computer games are allowed.
• Establish rules regarding visitors, whether it be the babysitter’s or the children’s friends
• If required, explain how to use certain appliances.
• Overall, ensure the babysitter, understands the routines of your household. Some examples include bedtimes, snacks, chores, activities and homework.
• Arrange transportation to and from home for the babysitter.
• Let the babysitter know what time to expect you home, and phone if that changes.
• Call the babysitter at least once while you are out and make sure all is well.

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Your Responsibilities as the Babysitter:

• Arrive on time, a few minutes early so the parents are not wondering if you are dependable.
• Ask if it’s okay to have something to eat, just don’t open the fridge and help yourself.
• Keep the house neat and tidy – no one likes to come home to find the place a mess.
• You are there to care for younger children – so don’t plan to watch TV all night nor spend the evening talking on the phone with your friends.
• Bring something to keep yourself occupied – a good book or some homework that needs to be done.
• Moms and Dads make the rules you are there to watch over younger children in their absence. If the children misbehave make sure the parents know. The parents handle any discipline not you!
• You are a guest in someone else’s home – make sure you are one.
• Take a babysitter course or better yet a first aid and CPR course to know what to do in an emergency.

Home Alone for older youth:

• When you get home check in with mom or dad to know you are home.
• If someone calls looking for your parents, and you are not sure who it is, it’s okay to say something like they are busy and can you take a message vs saying they are not home.
• Before answering the door bell, make sure you know who’s on the other side
• Stay in your yard
• Keep busy with homework, sports, and video games vs wondering down the street to visit friends.
• In an emergency know how to safely leave the house, call for help and call your parents.

Being a babysitter or home alone is a big responsibility. Know what you can or cannot do while home alone or at someone else’s house. Be respectful of others property. If problems do arise know when and who to call. Being a great babysitter can earn some extra cash. Enjoy the opportunity and be safe!