Questions to ask about a kid your babysitting?

take a babysitting course often offered at local hospitals or red cross facicities

Before you take on a babysitting job let one of your parents speak with a parent of the children you will be babysitting so they can get to know them and ask questions that may be of concern. Always provide your parents with the name, address and phone number of the family you will be sitting for. When you arrive make sure you speak with the parent(s) and ask any questions before they leave. Make sure you understand their directions. Don’t be afraid to ask again if something is not clear. Get a telephone number and location where the parent(s) will be. Also get an expected time of return. Write this information down. It is a good idea to have one of your parents call you at the location just to ensure everything is okay. Think of this as a way to find out if the phone is working properly. Try to learn the phone number and address of the location you are at. This can be very valuable if there is an emergency. Keep the following numbers nearby.

POLICE FIRE

DOCTOR_

NEIGHBOR_

WE ARE AT T/P# _

Learn the full names of the children and their descriptions, such as: AGE HEIGHT WEIGHT_

HAIR EYES

CLOTHING _

If the children are allowed to go outside to play make sure you know where they are and when they will return.

    *** If the family has a swimming pool never leave the children unattended.         
           NOT EVEN FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME!*** 

It is not a good idea to have friends visit you or have long phone conversations while you are babysitting. Think about it. Your attention is not directed toward the children while this takes place. If the parent(s) you are sitting for arrive home and have been drinking politely refuse a ride home. It is a good idea to pre-arrange transportation anytime you baby-sit in the event of a change in plans. Staying the night may also be an alternative if you are comfortable with that.

I babysit all the time. I find it quite enjoyable. the things that make the kids and me have fun and happy are. .play games that THEY enjoy not you. you may end up liking it. .if something is seeming to bother them ask them if they would like to talk about it, but do not continually bother them. .ask them what they want to do. . let them know the rules the parents have told you . don’t be afraid if they cry. it’s okay just take them to a room and talk to them. . let them no you are the boss but don’t be mean this is some of the things that help me, and make sue you know all of the contact info. and your parents know all your plans on staying the night, what time you will be home, and where you are staying! I hope this helped if you need anything else…contact me at breannac7@yahoo.com