How to Babysit for Twelve Hours or More

The title of this article probably sounds strange to a good deal of people out there, but as I was taking care of children two years ago for a mother who worked long hours, I learned that many children must be watched by non-parental figures for twelve hours or more on close to a daily basis. Hardworking mothers and fathers often have to reluctantly leave their children in a stranger's care from sun up to sun down several days a week, and all this simply to be able to make ends meet. While taking care of the children mentioned above, I learned that I was responsible for keeping them entertained and engaged for quite a chunk of their time. As such, I learned a few things, one of them being that it is not easy to take care of children for extended periods of time, especially if you have no children of your own and no toys or entertainment for kids lying around. For that reason, I decided to write this article to help nannies and other childcare providers keep kids occupied in a fun, educational, and healthy manner for many, many hours.

First, always have a schedule planned out when taking care of kids for long periods of time. You'll quickly learn that children must have set times for everything, from playing to napping to eating. This provides some much needed balance, and gives their little worlds a little more security when mom and dad are gone. Don't just have your babysitting schedule tucked away as a mental note, though. Create a poster board or purchase an inexpensive dry erase board to post the day's schedule on so that your kid's can always know what's coming next.

Next, have a list of indoor/outdoor rules posted at all times when you are babysitting, and have designated punishments assigned for violations ahead of time. Each morning, go over the rules with the kids you are watching and calmly state the punishments that go along with breaking the rules. Always give a warning first, but use timeouts or restrictions on fun times to keep things orderly. You will most likely find yourself referring to the "rules chart" often, but be firm. Over time, kids usually learn it's easier for all to simply behave the first time.

Next, create your babysitting arsenal ahead of time. Even if you are taking care of children in their own home, bring your own games, coloring books, reading materials, toys, etc., for them to play with. This will help prevent boredom and frustration, but do be sure to switch up your "tools" often to give the children you babysit something new to look forward to.

Next, take advantage of free online coloring and activity sheets. For absolutely no charge other than what it costs you to replace ink in your printer from time to time, you can print out pictures and games featuring anything from Hannah Montana, to Bratz, to Transformers, Barney, Speed Racer, or to Kung Fu Panda. Find out what the children you babysit love, and keep a few activities on hand at all times. This is especially useful on those rainy days where outdoor activities cannot take place.

On that note, outdoor activities are absolutely essential during a long babysitting period. There is a reason schools make physical education mandatory, and it's not just so that kids can learn to take their health seriously. Recess times are used to help kids blow off steam and energy, making crankiness much less likely to occur (something you'll learn, if you haven't already, can make recess time a life saver). Don't just open the back door and let them go every time, though. Plan fun outdoor games that, once rules are adjusted, can be played with just a few people, like soccer or basketball. From time to time, let the kids make up their own games and play with them or be the referee. Do be sure to apply sunscreen to each child before heading out, even in the cooler months, and keep a first aid kit on hand for bumps and scratches.

Next, if parents will allow it, take the kids you babysit on a field trip from time to time. Going anywhere from the museum, to the library, to just the video store is a fun and much needed exertion for kids. Not only that, but they will have something new to think about, and the field trip will help time pass much more quickly for all of you! Be creative and search online for free or low cost attractions in your area. Steer clear of attractions that are free to enter, but cost a fee for use once inside. For example, skating rinks, arcades, and fairs might seem like a fun idea, but a dollar here and there for a ticket or another game, especially when multiple children are present, adds up faster than you think. Don't fool yourself into thinking that you can simply restrict the amount each child spends, either. Once inside, their little eyes will light up, meaning you'll be in trouble. Play it safe and go to free attractions only.

Finally, use the last hour of your extended babysitting schedule as clean up time, every time. Babysitting for twelve hours or more can turn your house into a war zone, but trying to clean it throughout the day can get difficult. Use the last hour of the day to scrub things down. This will not only teach the children you watch a bit of discipline and to respect your home, but it will also allow you to take advantage of that adrenaline rush that comes to kids as they realize it's almost time to see mom and/or dad after many hours apart. Not only that, but that last hour waiting for parents to come for pickup can be rough for kids, so using this for clean up time will help the minutes move faster.

Remember, babysitting for twelve hours or more sounds tough, but dividing it up into tiny portions can make large chunks of the day fly by. There will be boring moments and times when your patience will be tried, but keeps things as fun, interesting, and well planned out as possible, and never start your day without a game plan.