Babysitting Tips for Teenagers
So you want to be a babysitter? Congratulations! Babysitting is a great way to make some extra money and get some valuable experience working with kids. It is also a very popular part-time job option for teens. Babysitting also can be a rewarding experience for those who enjoy being around children.
If you’re a teenager who’s looking to get started in the babysitting world, here are some tips to help you get started on the right foot.
Top Tips To Prepare Your Teenager To Babysit
Get Certified
Many parents feel more comfortable hiring a babysitter who has some kind of formal training, so consider getting certified in CPR and first aid. You can find certification classes at your local Red Cross chapter or online.
Make Yourself a Resume
Just like with any other job, you’ll need to sell yourself to potential clients. Include your contact information, any relevant experience you have (like younger siblings), your availability, and any special skills or certifications you have (like CPR).
Get References
Once you have your resume put together, start asking around for references from people who know you well and can vouch for your character and abilities. Good references can make or break your chances of getting hired, so choose them carefully!
Be Professional
When you’re meeting with potential clients for the first time, remember to be professional and courteous. Dress neatly, arrive on time, and be prepared to answer any questions they might have about your experience or qualifications.
Get Contact Information
Before you start any babysitting job, one of the most vital things you need to know is the contact information of the child’s parents or guardians. It is important to have this information before the parents leave. This includes the phone number of the parents’ destination, their cell phone numbers, and perhaps even phone numbers of relatives or trusted friends in case of an emergency.
Check your Comfort Level
Before you jump into babysitting, carefully consider what kind of children you want to babysit. It is important to make sure you are comfortable with the age range of the child or children. Some people may prefer babysitting young babies, while others may feel more comfortable in the elementary school range. Also think about the possibility of watching special-needs children and how you would handle a problem if it were to arise.
Emergencies
Emergencies are always a possibility when you’re babysitting. To be an effective babysitter, it is important not to panic but to remain cool and calm. Before the parents leave, ask them where the first-aid kit is. Prepare for your job, also, by learning basic first-aid skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR. If a child is choking on her dinner, your fast response and knowledge of CPR could potentially save her life. Also be aware of emergency phone numbers, including the poison control center, police, fire department and, of course, 9-1-1.
Plan Activities
When you’re a babysitter, your most basic duty is to not let the children out of your field of vision. This means not texting with your friends all night, surfing the Internet or taking a nap. To keep both the children and you happy and engaged, organize some fun activities that you can do with them. Ideas include watching cartoons together on television, playing board games and playing more active games such as charades.
Get Instructions
When parents leave children with a babysitter, they typically leave instructions. For example, they might indicate that they do not want their son watching television after a certain time or they might tell you not to let their daughter eat too many sugary snacks. Make a point to listen to the instructions and to follow them carefully, whether they are regarding bedtimes or food allergies. This can help keep the kids safe and help you gain respect and dependability in the eyes of the parents.
Have fun!
Babysitting is supposed to be enjoyable for both you and the kids, so make sure to bring along some games, books, or other activities to keep them entertained. And don’t forget to take breaks every once in awhile – after all, even babysitters need a little break now and then!
Babysitting is a great way to earn some extra money – but it’s not as easy as it looks! If you’re a teenager who’s thinking about becoming a babysitter, these tips will help you get started off on the right foot. From getting certified and making yourself a resume, to being professional and having fun with the kids, following these tips will help ensure that both you and the parents are happy with the arrangement. Good luck!
