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?

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 if it applies in your area.
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 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.

Being a babysitter is a great way to earn extra spending money and be a responsible member of the community.

Want to get your child enrolled in a babysitter course? Call us at 953-8350 for upcoming courses!