How to Babysit for Family Members

STEP 1: Think about the type of babysitter you'd want your family member to be if you had kids of your own. Just because you are family doesn't mean you should be so relaxed that you show up late to babysit. Arrive a few minutes early so that they have plenty of time to leave and aren't rushing out the door worried that they'll lose their reservation. If possible, show up 15-30 minutes early so that they have the opportunity to talk to you about anything you need to know for babysitting that night or perhaps just to enjoy conversation with you for a few minutes before they leave.

STEP 2: Most of the time parents like to keep their kids on a schedule. If they already have a routine set up, keep to it. Follow their rules and don't stray from them. If you allow the kids to break the rules they will start losing respect for you and think that no rules apply to them from that point forward. If the parents want the kids to go to bed at a certain hour, respect that and enforce it. The same goes with nutrition too. If they don't want the kids to have sugar or ice-cream after a certain hour, don't give it to them. However they deem appropriate discipline follow that guideline. By showing your family that you can follow their rules for their kids you are also showing them that you are dependable, trustworthy, and respectful of them.

STEP 3: Make sure you have a few go-to activities planned in case the kids get bored or out of hand. Have toys ready, games to play, and activities set up if you need them. If you're strapped for ideas try coloring books, cartoons, videos, board games, and other activities such as hide-and-go-seek, go-fish, duck-duck-goose, etc.

STEP 4: Make sure they have left an emergency sheet with contact numbers, emergency numbers, the kid's doctors, what they are allergic to, and include any other necessary medical information. It may seem like something most family members would know about their relatives, but you'd be surprised how easy it is to overlook an allergy or know the new doctor caring for the kids. Before the parents leave it's a good idea to do a quick safety check and make sure doors are locked inside so that small children won't wander into the swimming pool or get tackled by the family dog as well as make sure there are no toys or items lying on the floor for them to slip or fall over.