You’ve got the babysitting job…now what?

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!

Baby It’s Hot Outside.

Summer is in full swing and the days are long and hot.  Infants and children are very sensitive to the heat and rely on you to help prevent heat related illnesses.  Do you know how to keep them cool and hydrated?

On very hot days children should be dressed in comfortable, light colored, loose fitting clothing.  A hat or umbrella can be good ideas to shield tiny heads and faces from the sun.  Water is a good way to stay hydrated and is much better for kids than sugary drinks like soda.  Offer cool not ice cold water which can cause stomach cramps.  It’s also important for children to eat during the heat.  Encourage small light snacks not big heavy hot meals. If it is too hot you should really try and limit the time in the heat.  Make sure that kids get a chance to cool off whether it is in an air conditioned building or by applying cool, wet cloths to the skin, or by misting with cool water.    Running through sprinklers is one of the best summertime activities to stay cool and have fun at the same time. 

Always use common sense and realize that if you are feeling the heat, the kids you are watching are feeling it too.  Stay safe and have fun!

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!