Responsible Caregiving
By: Megan Graham
Some Advice...
Encourage- Encourage good behavior with treats, or something special, for example a cookie so they know to do it more.
Being honest- When the child's parents come home, be honest with them, if their child was bad, let them know that so they can punish him/her.
Role model- Children look up to older people, especially if you are a teen babysitting. They will follow the things that you do, act like you act, so make sure you are being a good role model for the child.
Planning Ahead- Before you get to the child's house plan activities, plan games, plan activities appropriate for the child's age.
Flexible- If the child you are babysitting wants to play house, go along with them. Just be easy with what they want to do, do more of what they want.
Things You Should Know Beforehand
Do's And Don'ts Of Babysitting
- Respond to their parents calls or texts
- Ask about the child's bedtime time and routine
- Play with the child
- Dress professionally
- Cover up your tattoos, hide piercings
- Follow the parents rules for the child, for example bedtime and what they eat
- Clean up a bit
- Tell parents everything that happened
- Be positive
Dont-
- Show up late
- Bring friends
- Text the whole time
- Neglect the child
- Let anybody in the house without parents permission
- Let the kid get away with anything
- Leave kid alone
Entertainment
- Crafts
- Fingerpainting
- Park
- Watch a movie
- Make cookies
- Watch TV shows
- Read a book
- Help them learn things like their ABC's and how to count
- Color
- Dance
- If it is a girl, paint nails, have a fun spa
- Play house