Tuesday, February 9, 2016

How to be a Great Babysitter

by, Lauren
Close your eyes and imagine this: A parent asks you to babysit for them, but you have no clue what you’re doing. You get there and one kid starts running around coloring on the walls with permanent markers. The permanent markers that were under lock and key mind you. Another kid is choking on a hot dog. The last one put a hole in the ceiling. Now open your eyes; you’re full of terror. So, to prevent any of this from happening I’m going teach you how to be a great babysitter!
    Starting off, go through a Red Cross or babysitting training course. Many clinics will teach you how to do CPR, the heimlich, and other important First Aid training. The chances that you will have to do CPR or the heimlich on anyone is very little, but you always want to be prepared.  Many parents will be very relieved  to know that their sitter is certified.
    Parents usually leave a list of things for the kids to do, bedtimes, food, and other important things. Make sure you read the list thoroughly! If the bedtime says 8:30 p.m. you need to put them to bed at that time! Kids will most likely test you and ask for things they are not allowed to have or do. Some things kids like to test you with are candy and screen time. Make sure you put your foot down and don’t let them. If the parents don’t leave a list, ask them the rules before they leave.
    Always keep an eye on the kids. Kids have a knack for getting into some kind of trouble. Make sure the kids know the rules. This way they will be less prone to get into trouble. Some things that cause injuries are, climbing on the things (or each other), playing in the street, or burning themselves on  something like hot stove burners, or hot pavement.
Next, interact with the kids. If the kids don’t know what do here are a few ideas: play board games, or card games, do a puzzle, read them a book, make a fort (just make sure to clean it up), and toys! Another thing to do is screen time. Just make sure you ask the parents first! Kids quickly get bored of their own toys, so something fun to do is to bring some old toys to play with from your house! Kids love new toys and your old ones will be a novelty. If the kids ask to play, go play with them. But, don’t sit there and  tell them to go play by themselves. If you don’t play with them, they will tell their parents, and you most likely won’t be hired again.
Next, if you make any messes clean them up! Toys, food that’s on the floor, dishes, and any other messes. If you break anything tell the parents! They will be very happy that you told them and will trust you more.
    Food. Kids are always asking for food! Mostly, gum, candy, and anything else sweet. Normally parents will let you know what their kids can and can’t eat. Make sure you don’t feed a child something they’re allergic to! Also, keep an eye on the kids when they’re eating. You don’t to be gone if one of the kids is choking. You will not have fun cleaning up barf or calling an ambulance.
    Lastly, be yourself!!!!! Kids will love you for being who you are!! You will also have a lot more fun if you’re yourself. Babysitting is a great character builder. It teaches you responsibility, patience, and many other life lessons.
    I hope you enjoyed the babysitting guide. Please give my paper a thumbs up. Now go make money by babysitting!*

*Disclaimer. This paper is not about making money. However, babysitting is a good way to make money.

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