Babysitting Tips for the Beginning Babysitter

With The Parents

Be Polite and Respectful.

Always be on time.

Ask questions pertaining to the children you will be babysitting. For example, "what is a favorite activity?' or "what is the favorite stuffed animal?"

Listen carefully to all instructions parents provide you with; If you are uncertain about any part of the instructions, i.e., "where are the children allowed to play outside, front or back yard?" ask for clarification.

Always make sure that important phone numbers/contacts have been written down and are easily available.

Always have separate instructions written down by the parents in case of an emergency.

Always check with parents if there are any special instructions for the children. For example, any allergies? Special likes/dislike?

When parents return, be prepared to give them a brief report on how things went. If there were any problems, be sure to discuss them at that time.

Positive feedback from you is important to parents. Be enthusiastic about caring for their children, and let that come across in the report you give.

With The Children

Play with the children you are babysitting. Engage them in fun activities. This will make the time go faster, and will help keep behavior problems to a minimum.

Activities you can do:

Story time

Pretend play

Coloring/drawing/painting

Arts/craft project

Pay attention to the children if they are outside playing. Do not be distracted, even for a minute.

Be firm with following the routines for dinner, bed, bath time, and the like. Reinforce positive behavior with praise. Gentle reminders that you will need to give "Mom and Dad a report on how things went" may help with cooperation.

Some Extra Tips

Smile and be relaxed when meeting the children. Go down to the child's eye level and cheerfully say something like, "Hi, my name is____, and it is very nice to meet you."

Have your own printed up checklist of things you need to discuss with parents before they leave.

Clean up any messes that were made.

Do not sit and talk on the phone...this will be relayed to the parents by the kids, and it will make you seem irresponsible.

Do not invite anyone over without prior approval; this is probably not a good idea in any case.

Think about bringing some "supplies" to reward good behavior, such as stickers, new coloring books, and crayons.

Most of all have fun with the children under your care. It is a lot of responsibility, but well worth it!