When you accept a babysitting job you expect certain things from parents like contact phone numbers and bedtimes. Likewise parents expect certain things from you. Most importantly be mature and responsible. Arrive for the job on time or even better a few minutes early. Follow the household rules. For example, if the parents ask you not to use the computer don’t use it. If you are uncertain ask if it is ok. Don’t have friends over unless the family has given permission. Clean up after eating, and put toys or games away. Some parents don’t want you to spend time cleaning and trust me you are not there to clean their house. It is a good rule of thumb, however, to leave the house as you found it. Always call parents in an emergency or a situation which you can’t handle. I never mind if the babysitter calls me when I’m out. In fact it tells me that you really are doing a good job and not just hanging out.
One of the most important tips I can offer is to talk to the parents. I always call babysitters back who are mature enough to carry on a conversation. Ask how their time out was. Tell them how the kids did and be specific. If the kids were really naughty let them know. If they were really good let them know that too.
Keep up the good work and remember babysitting is a very important job!
