I have been babysitting for about 4 years, and I know when I first started I was extremely scared. Even though it may seem daunting, here are a few of the things I think help make sure you are doing your best job.
1//Emergency Kit: Being in unknown territory where you don't know where the bandaids are, or even products for larger emergencies, is scary. Always, always, always bring your own bag full of supplies in case of an emergency.
Items Included in this Kit:
-address and information about where the house is
-phone numbers of both parents PLUS emergency contacts
-phone numbers such as Poison Control Center
-first aid kit with all necessities
-
this Red Cross book
-anything else you seem fit for the job
2//Listen to Instructions: If the parents ask you to clean up the toys in the basement, do it. If they asked you to put Suzie to bed at 9, don't wait until 9:30. Remember to do what the parents say to do or you probably won't be hired back.
3//Clean: I always make sure to put the dishes in the dishwasher, sweep the floor, put the pillows back, etc., so the parents come home to a house cleaner than the way they left it. Be careful though, you don't want to clean too much so they can't find things since you moved stuff around.
4//Don't Give In: I know I always liked to mess with babysitters when I was little and tell them we were allowed to have 5 cookies instead of 1. Suzie's bed time is really not 10 pm even though she is telling you that "when mom is here I go to bed then." Don't give in to the puppy dog faces and the constant begging of the kids, use your judgement and do what you know is right.
5//Stay Away from the Kitchen: That recipe for no bake brownies seemed really easy until the whole kitchen was covered in flour. Trust me, don't cook with the kids no matter how mature they are, it will turn out bad.
6//How Much is Too Much: Ah the television. What a handy little device that you can plop the kids in front of, while you kick back your feet and relax. Even though the appeal of not having to play with the kids for the next hour and a half while High School Musical is on Disney, and being able to get some homework done is very nice, don't do it. Especially if the parents told you that they shouldn't watch anymore tv for the day. Go outside and play on the swings, make up a play, just don't watch tv for too long.
If these tips were useful, let me know on my new Twitter, @fabricandfudge.
And remember, babysitting can be fun if you let it!
Until next time,
Eliza