Prepare Your Teen for His First Babysitting Job

Most teens, or pre-teens, think about babysitting as a way of earning money or of having the experience of a "first job." Often, children who have helped take care of their own younger siblings feel they are ready to do the same in a strange home.

Perhaps a superior way of taking on a first babysitting job is to get some on-the-job training. Approach a family which your child thinks he or she might be interested in babysitting for. If it seems acceptable to all, your child might spend a few hours, over the course of a number of days, being a mother's assistant with her children.

In this way, your child will understand how the mother cares for her children and what is expected of him or her. Additionally, your child will become acquainted with the children he will be responsible for as well as the home he will be staying in.

Most importantly, your child and the mother, or parents, will begin to develop a relationship, and mutual trust, prior to actually babysitting.

Additionally, classes in 'how to babysit' are very popular and offered at YMCA's, community colleges, park districts and other places in your community. These classes are aimed at teaching teens and preteens many of the skills they will need as babysitters.

There is also a role for you, the babysitter's parent, to play in assuring your child is successful at this first job. First, you might work out a few questions for your child to ask the mother or father. What is expected of a babysitter in their home, do's and don'ts, how much to expect for payment, special concerns like children's allergies or medications to be given.

Also, you might assist your child by working out a schedule with her so her homework does not suffer due to her taking on extra responsibilities. Another helpful suggestion might be to find activities which your child can do with children when babysitting.

Lastly, some common sense do's and don'ts for babysitters should be remembered:

· Never open the door to strangers of any kind unless the children's parents have told you to expect the person at the door.
· If you answer the telephone, never tell anyone you are the babysitter alone with the children. Rather, take a message and say the parents will call back shortly.
· Never leave the house for any reason. If there are strange or suspicious noises, turn on outside lights and be prepared to request assistance from the police.

Not only is babysitting a way for your child to earn spending money, but more importantly, it teaches them to be responsible when working. Since this is most young adult's first job, parents can assure it is a positive experience by helping them prepare for it.