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 Baby-sitting
is a great way to earn
money, help neighbors
and gain some job
experience. But it's
also a big
responsibility to be in
charge of someone else's
children in an
unfamiliar home, and it
can be a bit scary. Here
are some tips to help
you be a first-rate
baby-sitter.
Before you start
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Baby-sit only
for people you
know or who have
been referred by
a friend.
Answering
newspaper ads is
not as safe as
agreeing to sit
for a friend of
the family. When
someone asks you
to baby-sit,
find out what
time the parents
expect to be
back and tell
them how much
you charge and
what time you
have to be home.
Discuss how
you'll get there
and home safely.
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Leave the name,
address and
phone number of
where you'll be
sitting with
your parents or
a trusted
friend. Tell
them what time
your employer
expects to be
home.
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Before the
parents leave,
have them write
down the name,
address and
phone number of
where they will
be.
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You should know
emergency phone
numbers like 911
and the poison
control center.
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Have the address
of where you are
baby-sitting
next to the
phone.
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Make sure you
have a neighbor
or relative and
the family
doctor phone
number in case
of emergency
where you can't
get a hold of
the parents.
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Be sure you know
the locations of
all phones in
the home in case
you need one
quickly.
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If there is an
alarm system,
learn how to use
it.
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Know how to work
the window and
door locks in
the house. Use
them!
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Make sure to
turn on the
outside light.
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Ask about smoke
alarms and fire
extinguishers.
If you are in an
apartment, find
out where the
emergency exits
are.
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Ask about the
children's
bedtimes,
favorite toys
and stories and
what they eat.
Check on food
allergies or
medication.
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Find out what
you are allowed
to eat and
drink.
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Get permission
and instructions
on using the
VCR, stereo and
other
appliances.
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On the Job
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Be sure to clean
up after the
children and
yourself. Wash
all dishes, cups
and utensils
that you use,
and put all toys
back where you
found them.
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Don't tie up the
phone talking to
your friends.
Your employers
may want to
check in or call
about a change
in plans.
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A friend should
not come over to
keep you company
unless your
employer agrees
in advance that
it's okay.
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In an Emergency
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If you suspect a
fire, get the
children and
yourself out of
the house. Go to
a neighbor's or
a public phone
and call the
fire department.
Then call your
employer.
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Stay calm.
Children
probably won't
panic if you
don't.
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Special Tips for Daytime
Baby-Sitters
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If you have
children out in
the back yard,
make sure the
front door is
locked.
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If you take the
children for a
walk or to the
park, lock all
doors and
windows before
you leave.
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Be sure to take
the keys and
some change with
you in case you
need to use a
pay phone. Also,
make sure you
take your
employer's phone
number with you.
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Never take the
children to a
deserted park or
out alone after
dark. Be wary of
strangers. If
you feel
uncomfortable in
a situation,
take the
children and
leave.
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If anything
seems unusual
when you return
to the home --
like a broken
window, a ripped
screen or an
open door --
don't go in the
house. Go to a
neighbor's home
or a public
phone and call
the police. A
call to 911 or
the operator is
free.
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When the Job Is Done
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Tell your
employer if
anything unusual
happened -- a
strange phone
call, noises, a
stranger at the
door.
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Call your
parents to let
them know if
your employer is
going to be late
coming home.
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Be sure you are
escorted home.
If your employer
cannot walk or
drive you home,
or if he or she
seems to have
been drinking,
ask someone from
your family to
come for you.
Never go home
alone at night
from a
baby-sitting
job.
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If your
employers are
unreliable --
always late,
often
intoxicated,
etc. -- don't
baby sit for
them anymore.
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Baby-sitting Basics
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Find out when the
parents will return.
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Make sure you know
where they will be
and the phone number
where you can call
them.
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Write down the
street address and
phone number of
where you are
baby-sitting and
keep copies of it
near every phone.
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Have emergency phone
numbers for police
and fire near every
phone.
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Include the number
of a neighbor on
your phone list.
Ask parents about
television, videos,
video games, bedtime,
play and food rules for
the children. |
