When you are asked by a neighbour, friend or relative to babysit for them, they are giving you a job which carries a big responsibility. DO NOT treat babysitting as just a way to earn money. Approach it with a responsible attitude. Carefully plan every babysitting assignment to ensure the safety and well being of both baby and babysitter. The following are some helpful hints which you will assist you with your babysitting experience:
Be business like. Be ready to state clearly: days you are available, hours you may work, experience you’ve had (infant, six year olds, etc.) and a pay you consider reasonable. Even references.
- Address and phone number of the babysitting assignment.
- Time you expect to be home.
On arrival at the child’s home, get complete instructions from the parents – insist on specific details:
1. Places where parents can be reached. Get phone numbers, names and addresses of people parents will be with.
2. Name and phone number of family doctor; perhaps also a trusted neighbour or relative.
3. Instructions for handling incoming phone calls. Have pencil and paper by the phone.
4. Information about locking doors; lights to be left on and emergency fire procedure.
5. Action to take if someone knocks on the door.
6. Bedtime rules for the baby… for the older children.
7. Special instructions (diapers, baby’s bottle, bedtime snacks, children’s use of TV, stereo, computer, lights out, etc.)
When the baby’s parents return, report any unusual happenings. If a parent is to drive you home but appears to be intoxicated insist on calling your own parents to make other arrangements.
- Check and lock the door.
- Do not let strangers inside even if they say they are family.
- Never admit on the telephone or at the door that you are alone.
- First, get the baby and other children out of the apartment.
- DO NOT RE-ENTER THE APT.
- Call the Fire Department from a neighbours home and pull the fire alarm in the hallway.
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Remember, you are entrusting your child’s safety and wellbeing with someone else and you are placing a big responsibility on that person.
Select your babysitter carefully and if possible, have a list of two or three regular sitters from which you can choose.
Look for common sense and maturity.
Ask friends or neighbours if they can recommend any suitable babysitters.
Having chosen a sitter, have him/her visit you home prior to the date you will be going out, in order that both you and your children can get to know him/her.
Be explicit in your instructions, and if necessary, write out a list of important points with regard to what you expect of a babysitter.
Discourage the use of your telephone by the sitter for lengthy calls to friends.
Once you have chosen your babysitters, and have built up confidence and trust in them, good and lasting relationships will develop. You children will enjoy having them babysit, and you will enjoy your time away from home, confident in the knowledge that your children are in good hands.
If you have a pager number, it would be wise to give this to your babysitter in case of emergency and the number of a close by friend or relative.
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