Being a Good Babysitter

Having been a babysitter for many years, I fancy myself an expert. I have watched up to six kids at one time, their ages ranging ten and under. I will admit I do not have a lot of experience with older kids (over13). Of course, by that age they should not need a sitter. One of the biggest problems with being a babysitter/nanny is unless you live in a big city you are not going to make enough money to survive off. You might get lucky and find a good paying sitter job, but do not count on it. That is why most babysitters are young teenage girls. And, most of them are not good sitters. They do not understand what an important roll a sitter/nanny can have in a kid's life. I do not think parents even understand what a big part they can play either. I still have contact with every child I have watched. Most of them are in their teens now.

The most important thing a sitter/nanny can do is be loyal to the parents. No letting the kids do things their parents do not want them to do. You NEVER want to put yourself in a position where the kids "like" you more. It is a good way to lose your job. So, know your place in the family.

If you have an issue with a rule or anything bring it up with the parent(s) when the kids are not around. As a sitter/nanny, you should be an extension of the parents. A united front, I know that is normally a parent thing, but the theory works the same here. Kids will play you against the parents, if they think they can. That is something most teenagers do not understand since they are still kids them selves rebelling against their parents when they are not watching your kids. This brings up another thing you should think about when picking a sitter. Do not leave your kids with someone unless you want you kids to act like that person. Ex: if your sitter wears a lot of make up that is done horribly, or dresses a little sluty. You child will be influenced by this person in charge of them. Keep all that in mind when you are trying to get a sitter or nanny job.

Parents might ask the sitter (you) what activities the kids will be doing. If you do not have an answer then you look unprepared. It is a sign of a good babysitter when they plan to keep the kids busy. I like to bring some of my own toys, so they have something new. That usually keeps the kids happy for a few hours.

But it should not be all fun and games, making the kids do their choirs ( if they have any), teaching them to pick up after them selves, do their homework, in general being the bad guy is part of it too. That is why talking to the parents about what kind of discipline you may use, is something you must do the first time you sit. And be specific about it. If they put the child in the corner, ask if it is okay to physically put them there. If spanking is Okayed, try not to use it. Spanking should only be used if the child endangered a sibling and stuff of that nature. You do not want get into spanking for every little thing, which is where most parents go wrong with spanking. I have only had a few parents ok spanking, because they cannot control their kids and that is how they deal with it.

There is another big part of being a sitter or nanny. You have to be able to size up the family you are working for, pay attention to how they work as a family.

Another thing you must avoid doing as a sitter/nanny that happened a lot to me, is when the kids act more like your (the sitters) kid(s) than their real mothers. Dads do not usually get jealous like moms do. It is only natural that you and the kid(s) will bond and get close with all the time you spend together, but it is your responsibility to keep it is check. A good way to avoid this is never make big decisions for the child(ren). You are not the parent; don't ever act like you are. If you get into an argument with the parents about something that has to do with their kids, give in and apologize. Even if you are right. If it bothers you that much quit.

Of course quitting is hard when you are attached to the kids you watch. That is why you must not get so attached to kids. I know even as I write it I know it is impossible. However, you have to be able to do what is right for you, and if you judgment is clouded be emotions you may put up with more than you should.

That I know from experience. Half of the time I end up babysitting for free, because I would rather the kid be with me then some idiot teaching them how to be an idiot. Because, I was attached to the kids.