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Being a babysitter is a rather large responsibility, especially for the beginning initiate. Just as with any other job, preparation is essential to maintaining a level of safety and a confidence in ability of the babysitter by both the sitter and the parents. Because of the immense responsibility in care giving, this checklist has been compiled in order to give any new babysitter a guide in preparation as well as helping to assure more experienced sitters are refreshed and up to date.
Safety
Before even thinking about taking care of anyone's child, it's a good idea to take a First Aid class and become certified in CPR. Children are notorious for adventuring when your back is turned and there are typically small calamities that happen during the course of any week. However, if an emergency should arise, you'll need to be prepared to handle it.
When babysitting, have a list of important numbers ready and available to your easy access. Placing them by the phone is an excellent spot. The numbers you should have listed are 911, your local fire department, sheriff or police, the poison control center, the numbers of a neighbor and nearby family member, and the parents' location or cell phone. Both location and cell phone numbers, if they have a cell phone, would be better.
In case of an emergency, the first thing to do is remain calm. Believe it or not, keeping your cool in a crisis, no matter how great, is the most important key to dealing with them. You can not think clearly if you allow yourself to be scattered by the situation.
The second thing you need to do is assess the emergency. You'll have to determine whether the situation calls for First Aid or will require more aid than you're able to give.
Here are a few simple First Aid rules to keep in mind. For minor cuts, apply pressure to the area to stop the bleeding. Once the bleeding has stopped, cleanse the area thoroughly and cover the cut with bactine or another topical cream containing a healing agent such as Neosporin. It will help ensure the cut stays disinfected and will heal quickly. Bandage with clean gauze. If the cut is small, Band-Aids are fine. Be sure the bandage is wrapped tight, but not so tight that it would cut off circulation. For minor burns, it's best to soak the area in cool water. Cold, running tap water is a common mistake. While it's not catastrophic if used, it can cause shock to the burned area. The object goal to remember is to take the heat off the burn at steady pace. After cooling, pat the burned area dry and apply aloe vera or an anti-burn cream. If, after soaking for 20 minutes, the heat from the burn hasn't diminished, it's time to seek outside help.
For greater emergencies, follow the first step and remain calm, the dial 911. There are rare occasions in larger cities where 911 operators are overloaded with calls. That is the reason why it's necessary to have the direct numbers to your local fire and police departments. Be certain to call 911 before anyone else. They need time to be able to dispatch help to you as soon as possible. Calling someone else first will only delay their arrival.
The reason for the previous emphasis on taking a First Aid class and becoming certified in CPR is because not all 911 departments are able due to policies to offer pre-arrival instructions. Your preparation and knowledge could be crucial in the survival of a child.
To avoid major emergencies, the best thing to do is to take a few preventative measures. Scan the rooms for objects that could be considered potential dangers. If you spot tiny toys or any other small object an infant, toddler, or even an older child could choke on, pick them up immediately. If cooking in the kitchen, be certain to turn all pot handles inward to eliminate opportunities for burns. Most importantly, do not leave any child unattended. Most common household accidents occur in a relatively short span of time, so if you need to put down the phone or step away from answering the door to keep a child in your sight, do so.
Care
It's important to develop a rapport with the children in your care. If you have an opportunity to visit with both parents and children before the day you are to babysit, take it. It's a great chance to ask them a few questions about the children's interests and get to know them previously. If not, ask the parents about their children's interests before they head out for the evening, so you'll have a base of understanding to expand on.
Engage the children in conversations about their interests. You may find a commonality in which to learn and share in. Get down on their level and play with them. Children are more apt to relate to someone who reveals consideration for them. Some activities you might want to try are reading books, watching a movie and discussing what the children liked best about it, singing songs, and games. Remember to have fun!
Parental Instructions
No set of parents are alike and they have different rules that they deem acceptable. If they forget in a rush out the door to offer any, be sure to inquire as to what the rules are. You'll need to know when bedtime is, if snacks are appropriate, if you'll be responsible for any meals or homework supervision, whether there is medicine to administer, or food allergies to be aware of.
Another area to ask about is discipline. You'll need to ask the parents how they would like for you to handle any behavioral problem that should arise. If the subject wasn't broached, remember that the first step in safety applies here as well. Keep your cool, then discuss with the young upstart why it might not be a wise choice to lock his sister outside.
Babysitter Kit
A babysitter kit isn't necessary to doing a good job, but it's a wonderful idea in being prepared. Things you might want to consider putting in an easy-to-carry bag are a First Aid kit so you'll always know where to get what you need in case of a minor emergency, a box of animal crackers, a children's video, and a bottle of bubbles. No child, or adult, can resist bubbles and a treat while watching something new is sure to be welcomed with shouts of adoration.
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