Babysitting

Love kids? Got a spare night or two? Try babysitting!
Babysitting is often a great and fun way to earn extra money, but there is also a lot of responsibility involved in being in charge of another person(s), even if it’s only for a few hours. Baby-sitting might seem like easy money, but it’s a huge responsibility and not a job for everyone.

Having to watch children that are not your own can be a difficult task, but taking time to do research on that family is exciting. Knowing who you are about to watch is a big factor in babysitting:

• Ask questions. When you're ready to go in the babysitting business, don't be afraid to ask questions about the child you will be caring for; always be prepared.
• Bring with you pen and paper for emergency information, important phone numbers and directions to the house as soon as you arrive. Bring an emergency checklist just in case the parents don't have one.
• Let the parents know that you do believe in discipline and you won't let a child run over you.
• Be aware that the children might do things that might be frighten to you, just pretend that they are your own sisters and brothers.
• Walk through the house and do a safety check. Close the doors to rooms you don't want the children in. Look for hazards such as matches, hanging electrical cords, medications or other things children can get hurt with or get into trouble with.
• Plan out a time to get to know the children better, because every child acts a certain way when parent aren't around.
• Don't invite visitors over. It is unprofessional and distracting to your duties.
• Don't open the door for strangers. Lock all doors and windows as soon as the parents leave.
• Never leave children unattended.

Skills
A babysitter must have maturity and judgement, must be honest with the parents and likes children. A babysitter should know something about child behaviour, be able to handle basic needs such as meals and putting the child to bed, and have the training to deal with any problems or emergencies that may arise.
Love the kids and watch them closely: children tend to know whether you like them or not, so be friendly and pleasant. Read to them and interact alot with them. Find out what they do know and you can also become like a teacher. Children love to learn. Play games with them. Be as patient and as enthusiastic as possible! Arts and craft are great for the 3yr old. Help with numbers and letters. They love to see their names.
Try taking the red cross baby sitting course, it's an awesome way to gain parent's trust and to know what to do in a sticky situation.

Become a babysitter now!

Responsibility of the Eployer
If you are hiring a babysitter what responsibilities do you have as an employer?

• Introduce the babysitter to your children and pets.
• Give a tour of your home, indicating areas which are off-limits or dangerous to the child.
• Leave emergency telephone numbers, including neighbours who can provide assistance, and the number at which you can be reached.
• Make sure the babysitter knows when to use 9-1-1 if it applies in your area.
• Show where the first-aid supplies are kept, and ensure the babysitter knows how to use them.
• Brief the babysitter about allergies, medications or other medical information.
• Indicate what TV programs, music or computer games are allowed.
• CSC recommends making the Internet off limits especially if you connect through a telephone modem.
• Establish rules regarding visitors, whether it be the babysitter's or the children's friends
• If required, explain how to use certain appliances.
• Overall, ensure the babysitter, understands the routines of your household. Some examples include, bedtimes, snacks, chores, activities and homework.
• Arrange transportation to and from home for the babysitter.
• Let the babysitter know what time to expect you home, and phone if that changes.
• Call the babysitter at least once while you are out and make sure all is well.

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