Play the Shape Shake Game.

Shape Shake

Here is another quick and easy rainy day activity for your babysitting jobs. 

Materials

• Posterboard or cardboard
• Scissors (use child friendly scissors and supervise accordingly)
• String

Directions

1. Cut out a cardboard shape and pierce a small hole in the center.
2. Tie one end of a string to the doorknob of your child’s room and thread the opposite end of the string through the shape’s hole.
3. Have your child stand across the room holding and shaking the free end of the string.
4. See how long it takes her to shake the shape from one end to the other.

Cut out your shapes ahead of time and bring them along with some string to your next babysitting job.   If the children are old enough they can cut out their own shapes but make sure they use child friendly scissors.

You can tie multiple strings and have races. 

You can teach younger children different shapes with this game. 

This is a great activity for toddlers & up.  Make sure you are always supervising the kids when using string.  Be sure to put it away in a safe place when you are done with the game.  Have fun and stay tuned for more activities and ideas.

Quick & Easy Game For Babysitting

Are you sometimes stretched to think of easy games to play with children?  If you’re babysitting kids between the ages 5-9 a really easy game to play is the “Letter Treasure Hunt Game”.    Choose any letter of the alphabet and ask the kids to find objects in the house that begin with your chosen letter.  To make it even more fun bring post-it notes that the children can stick on their found objects.   For example if you choose the letter B kids could find beds, baby dolls, babysitter, etc.  See if they can use all of the post it notes.  Once done choose another letter and start again.    Younger children may need some help with the letters and sounds.  Help them sound out the letter and show them some examples if you need to.

Some objects and rooms should be off limits for safety reasons.  For example you don’t want kids in medicine cabinets or knife drawers.   Use your best judgement and babysitting skills when it comes to this. 

If you’re in a pinch for a fun and quick game the “Letter Treasure Hunt” is a great standby.   Stay tuned for more game and activity ideas.

Keep up the good work!

How Much Do Babysitters Get Paid?

Every parent asks this question at one time or another.  I’ve heard everything from $2.00/hour (I laughed when I heard that one) to $15.00/hour.     I even heard of one parent paying in strawberries they went out to pick while they hired a babysitter (I really laughed when I heard that one.  REALLY?).  But hey maybe you really like strawberries? The truth is, it depends.    That is why you should really determine your rates up front.  If you are watching an infant do you charge more?  Does your rate increase for multiple children?  You can decide.    Parents will usually ask, “How much do you charge?”  Be prepared to answer.

In my neighborhood babysitters charge anywhere from $7.00/hour to $12.00/hour.  If the parent(s) are going to be out later than 11:00 PM the rate seems to go a little higher.  Check with other babysitters in your area to help you determine your rate.   Once you decide make sure you discuss it upfront with the family.  It  makes you appear more professional and prepared.   If a parent tries to negotiate a different rate with you; just remember that you can negotiate too.  Don’t sell yourself short and don’t be unreasonably high.  You will usually find a middle ground. 

Good luck!

Hello world!

Welcome to the American Red Cross of CNY’s blog.  We are entering the brave new world of social media and hope you join us on the journey.  This blog will be dedicated to all of the babysitters out there who may need some advice or ideas.  We all know that babysitting can be a really hard job.  The American Red Cross of CNY is here to help!