How to Become a Better Babysitter

If you want to be a great babysitter, there are some qualities that you must have or improve upon. To babysit someone's child or children is a great responsibility and it should not be something you just want to do for the money. Making money is nice, but caring for someone's child is a great responsibility to have. If anything happens to the child, you will need to know what to do and or at least know how to get help.

You should be a trustworthy person. A parent needs to know they can trust you. If they tell you that the children are to be in the bed at 9:30pm, put the kids in the bed at that time. If they say not to give their kids certain foods to eat, you should always listen to what the parent says, even if you are pressured by the kids. Trustworthy people do not steal, lie or cheat. Trustworthy people do not inappropriately touch those for whom they care for. When a parent knows they can trust you, other people will find out that you are trustworthy and that could lead to you getting more babysitting jobs.

You will want to Get CPR training. If a child has an emergency like choking or falling, you need to know what to do so that you do not freak out.

If you are between the ages of 11 to 15, take the American Red Cross training course for babysitters. If you are older than that, read books on babysitting and take the time to learn more about children and understanding them.

Keep your eyes on those you are babysitting at all times. I know this sounds hard, but you have to supervise kids at all times. Accidents can happen so fast and many kids have been injured or killed because someone left them unsupervised. This is not the time for you to be texting the entire time you babysit or talking on your cell phone. You are to be attentive to the kids and supervise them especially if they are little children.

Never ever discipline anyones children. Never, ever lose your cool. I don't care what the child does, if it is not your child, you do not discipline them. Don't scream at them, hit them, curse at them or do anything that could put you in trouble with their parents or the law. If you are having a bad day, this is not the day to babysit. Yes, some kids can get out of line, but if a child becomes too unruly for you, you should call the parent right away and have them talk to them.

Make sure before the parents leave you have all necessary information from them to take care of their children. Get a list of all medications if there are any, and know how to give them and how often. If a child has a medical condition, the parent should explain to you how to help the child if they should get sick. Make sure you have every number you can get from the parent and to notify the parent to be sure to answer any calls or text you send. Get the name of where the parent is going especially if they are going out of state. Most parents will call to check on their child. Be sure you answer the calls and let the parent know how their child is doing.

Don't just watch the kid, join in on the fun. Have some safe toys and games for kids to play with at your home. Invest in some family type board games, books and videos for kids. Not everyone can afford a Playstation or Wii, but if you can, this will help with babysitting time. Give the kid quality time while you have them in your possession and you may win a friend for life.

Be careful what you say around a child of any age. Even if you think a child is playing and not paying you any attention, they really are. They are forever listening to anything that is said. Do not repeat confidential information around them because they will remember what you said and will tell it.

Never leave anyone that you are supposed to be caring for in someone else's care without their parents permission even if it is just for 10 minutes. Don't ask you neighbor you have known for awhile to babysit while you run to the corner store. Take the children with you if the parent gives you permission. No one is to care for that child other than you. Children can be hurt, and abused so quickly and you do not want to have to live with the fact that someone you were suppose to care for was hurt because you did not do your job.

I hope some of these tips have helped you. Great babysitters get noticed. If you are a great babysitter, you may be able to make that into a career and become a child care provider, day care owner or an adult companion. Do your best, get some training and have fun with those you care for and you just might become the best babysitter on the block.