Baby-sitting is the most significant little business founded for and by young people in the 20th century. If you like younger children and find them interesting and entertaining, this work is for you.

Personally, I think babysitting will give you fine training in responsibility. You are on your own when you are alone in a foreign house with an unknown youngster under your care. In an emergency, you must respond intelligently since the children entrusted to your care rely on you for their comfort and protection.

So, let me share some more tips with you.

Guidelines to Follow if It’s Your First Babysitting Job

There are skills to learn about babysitting as there are in any work. If the child has a nosebleed or falls down and bumps his head or skins his knee, you should know what to do.

Many sitters keep a notebook in which they jot down facts about the family for whom they are working: “Stella loves ice cream (who doesn’t), John hates spinach and Harry is allergic to peanuts.”

Oh and please don’t be shy about asking to be shown the layout of the house. Be sure that you know where the thermostat is that controls the heat. In addition, ask for the cooking stove be shown to you. Maybe it’s electric, and you’re used to a gas stove. Inquire about the location of the light switches and the telephone, as well as the location of the linen, in case you want a towel, sheet, or an additional blanket. Never be scared to inquire. Employers value your careful consideration. If you babysit for multiple families, make a note of everything you are told and write it down in your notebook.

When you meet the family, ask to be introduced to the dog or cat, if they have one. An animal is curious about the stranger who has taken over for the day or evening. He appreciates the civility and will reciprocate by being kind.

Before your employers leave the house, write the following information on a card or sheet of paper and put it near the phone for easy reference.

These two questions are often posed. First and foremost, why is the infant crying? Second, how can I convince the kids to go to bed willingly?

If a baby left in your care starts crying, it’s his way of notifying you that something isn’t right. Here are some potential issues: The infant might be hungry, thirsty, chilly, or overheated. He may have a “bubble” and require a gentle touch to burp. He may require a diaper change. There might be a pin stuck in him. His clothes might be overly tight or wet. He might be in a suffocated posture and would like to be turned over. He could simply need to be consoled. Pick him up and assure him that he is not alone in the world.

According to an old adage, honey attracts more flies than vinegar. It may be added that the promise of a tale or a short game will induce more tiny boys and girls to sleep peacefully than proposed punishments. Bring a picture book or storybook with you. If you don’t have any, you can get some from the library.

What Is Normally Expected of a Sitter?

It is possible that you may have to serve dishes that have already been cooked. You simply need to serve them. But, keep in mind that you are not required to cook.

It is part of your job to wash dishes used by the children and, of course, any of your own. However, if you should inherit a sinkful of dishes from your employer’s diner, you need not clean up. Always remember that you are a babysitter, not a maid.