Baby-Sitters Club Baby Sitting Guide

3. Your local library is filled with great books to help you get
started babysitting and starting your own business!
Reserve these books and more on their website!
And explore these websites:
· Best Baby-Sitting Handbook (and trainings):
https://www.redcross.org
· Baby Sitter’s Club Website:
http://www.scholastic.com/thebabysittersclub/theClub.htm
· Babysits Community Resources:
https://www.babysits.com/community-resources
· Safe Sitter:
https://safesitter.org
Babysitting is a great way to make money as a kid, but it
isn’t for everyone. Think about if you would be a good
babysitter, and talk it over with your parents. Do you
have a younger sibling or neighbor you could try watching
while knowing there is an adult nearby?
Before deciding to start babysitting, ask yourself these
questions:
· Do you like kids? Do you have experience around small kids?
· Are you responsible enough to take care of another person?
· What ages are you comfortable babysitting?
· How many children can you babysit at once?
· How do you feel about babysitting in a house with pets?
· Do you have the time to commit to babysitting?
· Can you babysit on school nights?
· How long are you willing to babysit? Two hours? Five hours?
· What would you do if a child you were in charge of did something
you told them not to do?
· What would you do if there was an emergency?

4. Once you know you are ready to try babysitting, you may
have some other things to think about before talking to
your parents.
How much should I charge?
Even if you love small kids, babysitting is a job, and you are here to make
money! Your rates should vary depending on where you live, your
experience, and your training. Most babysitters charge by the hour, with
a higher hourly rate for additional children or special circumstances, like
picking kids up from school, watching children overnight, or sitting on
holidays. In Ohio, a brand new babysitter watching one child might
charge $12-$15 an hour.
What if I don’t want to babysit for a certain family?
You never have to babysit for someone you aren’t comfortable with. Talk
to your parents about this ahead of time. If you agree to sit for a
family, but something seems off when you arrive, let the family and your
parents know. If you weren’t comfortable with a family you’ve sat for
before-even if you just don’t get along with the kids--you don’t have to
go back. Consider creating a code word with your parents that you can
use on the phone if you ever get to a job and don’t feel safe. Never do
anything that makes you uncomfortable.
What should I bring?
Whenever babysitting, try to bring these items:
- Portable First Aid Kit - Your Cell Phone
- Cash (emergency) - Emergency Contact List
- Hand sanitizer - Tissues and wipes
- Activities for the Kids - Notebook and Pen
Think about what you might need to purchase. Do you have access to all of these items?
Most kids can’t resist a dance party!
Try some of these great kids musicians for a grooving afternoon.
Laurie Berkner Jazzy Ash Jim Gill
Mr. Eric & Mr. Michael Caspar Babypants Lucky Diaz
Alphabet Rockers The Wiggles Uncle Devin

5. Looking for some books to keep your kids engaged?
Try these librarian-recommended read alouds.
You are ready to babysit! But what do you do first?
Ask Your Parents. Always ask your parents before accepting a
babysitting job or starting a business. They will have rules for
when, where, how often, and for who you can babysit. Ask them to
help you look at state and local laws governing babysitting. Also
talk to them about ways your schedule might change because of
babysitting. You might not be able to do as many chores around the
house, or your curfew might need to be a little flexible if a sitting
job runs late.
Assess Your Skills. What experience do you have? If you’ve been
watching your younger siblings for years, and you just want to
babysit for your neighbor who knows you well, you might not need
additional training. But, if you really want to start a business
babysitting, training and CPR certification are invaluable. Look
online and see if your local Red Cross is offering a training.

6. While The Baby-Sitters Club papered Stoneybrook with
flyers, the best way to get babysitting jobs is word of
mouth. Parents would rather hire a babysitter they
know, but the next best thing is to hire a babysitter
recommended by someone they trust.
Ways to Find Work:
· Ask your parents to reach out to their friends, relatives, and
neighbors asking if they need a babysitter.
· Talk to other babysitters and offer to fill in as a substitute.
· Make flyers or business cards that you can give to your parents
to distribute.
Be really careful about using the Internet to look for babysitting
jobs. Never post your last name or address online. If your parents
agree, you could list your services on a Find a Babysitter website,
but talk to your parents about using an email address or phone
number that your parents have access to. It may be safer to use
your parents phone number instead of your own when reaching out
to people you are not familiar with.
· Watch the kids at all times. You never know what will happen if
you turn your back for a moment!
· Do not spoil the kids. Even though it might feel great to be
the “cool babysitter,” you have to understand that if you give
the kids an inch, they are going to take a mile.
· Plan ahead. You are reading this book, so you are off to a great
start!
· Positive reinforcement. Encourage kids with verbal praise and a
smile for good behavior.
· You are the role model. Even though you might still be a kid, you
are the leader when you are babysitting. Reinforce rules and
limits, but also stay engaged with the kids. Smiling and listening
go a long way!
· Do active activities before bedtime. Get those kids up and mov-
ing before bedtime, so they are worn out. Even if you aren’t the
person putting them to bed, the parents will appreciate it!
· Be flexible. Parents may run late or return earlier than
expected. You may be asked to feed the kids or prepare them
for bedtime or another task you didn’t expect. Be flexible, but
with clear limits.

7. After a job, be prepared to:
· Report to the parents when they return. Note anything
unusual that occurred.
· Thank the family for their business.
· Never gossip about what you might see or hear when you are
babysitting. If you feel uncomfortable about something, talk to
your parents.
· Keep a record of each job. Write down what went well and what
didn’t. Note any lessons you learned, especially if you are
interested in babysitting for this family again.
· Consider asking the parents for feedback about your
babysitting abilities.
Remember to call your parents when you are ready to leave, unless
the parents you were babysitting for are driving you home. Don’t
walk home alone at night or accept a ride from strangers.
If you are babysitting for the first time, especially for a
family who is not familiar with you, you may be asked to
interview. Follow these interview tips:
· Arrive 5-10 minutes early. You can wait until 3-5 minutes be-
fore the start time to enter, but make sure you have plenty of
extra time to get there.
· Dress appropriately. Wear neat, clean clothes.
· Bring copies of your resume, if you have one, references, and
business cards.
· Be friendly and polite! Maintain eye contact.
· Be prepared to tell the family about yourself and your hobbies,
interests, and activities. Be sure to mention anything that
gave you leadership skills.
· Be excited! Ask questions about duties and responsibilities. Ask
if you can meet the children and try to get to know them.
· Be prepared to talk about your babysitting experience and
knowledge including:
· Any training courses or certifications you have
· Number and types of jobs you’ve had
· Activities you’ve planned
· Situations you’ve handled
· What you would do to be a safe and fun babysitter
· Afterwards, thank the family. You could even send them a
thank you note!

8. Before accepting a job, make sure to talk to the family
about their exact expectations. Make sure to clarify:
- Date - Transportation
- Number of children - Ages of children
- Length of time - Time of day
- Responsibilities - House rules
- Pets - Special Needs
Always make sure you are available before accepting a job.
Once you’ve accepted a job, there are still some things to
keep in mind before the job starts:
· Show up at least 5-10 minutes early. Give yourself plenty of time to
talk through specific needs with parents.
· Dress in clean comfortable clothes that you are okay getting messy.
· Never babysit if you are sick.
· Only cancel for an emergency or if you are sick.
· Alert the family as far in advance as possible if you have to cancel.
· Make sure you have all emergency information before adults leave.
Consider a form like the one on the next page.
Create your own Kid Kit! You don’t need items from every category,
but this might give you some ideas for places to start!
Favorite Books:
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Favorite Toys:
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Art Supplies:
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Board Games & Puzzles:
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Snacks:
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Outdoor Toys:
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Game Ideas:
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Misc.:
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________

9. Kid Kits are a Baby-Sitters Club staple. These special
boxes are brought along on each job, filled with essentials
to make it a fun time for everyone.
How to Make a Kid Kit:
1. Make a list of what you want to include in your kit. Pick activities
you enjoy that work for a variety of ages.
2. Budget for your Kid Kit. Do you own all of these items? Will you
need to use babysitting money to invest in a quality Kid Kit?
3. Find a sturdy box or bag that can hold all of your goodies.
Decorate it! Show off your personality, and make it fun so the kids
know it is special.
4. Consider changing the contents often. The more you learn about
the kids you babysit, the more you can personalize the kit to their
interests.
Create a form like this to give to the adults you are
babysitting for before they leave the house.
Parent Name:
_____________________________
Parent Name:
_____________________________
Cell #:
____________________________________
Cell #:____________________________________
Name Age
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
Aller-
gies:__________________________________
_________________________________________
_
Diet Requirements:
________________________
_________________________________________
_
What can the kids eat during the sitting job?
_________________________________________
Naps: _______________________
_____________________________
Bedtime: ____________________
Bedtime Routine:
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Activities: ___________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Emergency Contact (not parent):______________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Pediatrician: ________________________________________________________________
Allergies (non-food): _________________________________________________________
Medications: ________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Preferred Hospital: _________________________________________________________
Other Medical Info: ________________________________________________________
Health Insurance: __________________________________________________________
Police Non-Emergency: _____________________ Poison Control: ____________________

10. During a job, keep the following in mind:
· Follow all the family’s instructions and household rules.
· Ask if you can use the phone, if there is one. Make only
necessary calls. Never leave children alone when you are on the phone.
· If you answer a phone call, make sure to write down a full message.
· Ask if you and the children are allowed to use the TV, DVD Player,
video game system, computer, or any other electronics. Do not use the
equipment if you don’t have permission.
· Call the parents in emergencies or any situation you cannot
handle on your own.
· Do not eat food unless you have permission.
· Clean up after preparing food or using toys. Leave the house
like you found it.
· Only do your own homework when it is safe. The children come
before your homework.
· Never look through rooms or belongings unless asked.
· Do not have friends come over unless you have permission.
Babysitting emergencies are rare, but they do happen.
The best way to be prepared for an emergency is to talk
to the parents ahead of time. Consider:
- Medical Emergencies (child)
- Medical Emergencies (you)
- Plan in case you have to leave suddenly (emergency at home)
- Weather emergency (tornado warning)
- Home emergency (gas leak, fire)
- Home intruder or damage to the property
The more plans you have ahead of time, the easier it will
be to handle an emergency.
Have a list of phone numbers nearby. Program all important
numbers into your cell phone.
If a child is crying and seems like they could be hurt, but is con-
scious and moving around on their own, call the parents. Call the
parents if a child seems to be getting sick (such as having an
increasing fever). If you can’t get ahold of the parents, consider
calling your own parents.
If a child is ever unconscious, having an unusual allergic reaction, or
in any kind of life-threatening emergency, call 911. It is always
better to be safe.