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Babysitting is a popular way for teenagers to earn some pocket money. Some adults, especially stay-at-home moms, babysit for working parents in order to earn extra money also. While looking after children can be fun, it also takes some know-how, along with a lot of responsibility. Learn how to be a responsible babysitter by following the tips in this article.
The first thing you need to do, if you are babysitting at someone else's home, is to make a list of telephone numbers where the parents can be reached. This might be the number of the parents' workplaces, or the restaurant they are going to eat out at, etc. You will also need to know how to contact any emergency service you may need to contact, such as the local police department or fire department. You also need the telephone number of the local Poison Control Center. The last number you should have is for a grandparent or other family member who lives nearby, and could be called if you need to reach the parents in the event of an emergency, and are unable to. A neighbor's number would suffice also.
Find out from the parents what time the child/children is/are supposed to go to bed, and if they have any special instructions to give you. Sometimes, the parent will ask you to wash the dishes or perform some other type of easy task. This is an acceptable request, and can be done after the child/children have been put to bed.
Make sure you know where the first-aid kit is kept in case a child needs a Band-Aid, or other minor medical attention. Make sure you also know the location of any fire extinguishers they may have in the house.
Check all of the doors and windows and make sure they are closed and locked after the parents have left, or at least, by dark. Be wary of strangers, and also find out who it is before opening the door. Don't tell any stranger that you are there alone with a child or children. The same procedure applies to answering the telephone. If the caller asks to speak with one of the parents, politely tell them they are not available, and ask if you can take a message for them.
Stay alert and pay attention to your duties. Know where the child/children is/are at all times and know what they are doing. Smaller children need to be watched especially close so they don't get into things around the house, especially something potentially fatal like cleaning solutions or poison. Don't hang on the phone with your friends, and do not invite them over. You are responsible for someone else's children, and you need to focus on your duties.
If something should go wrong,take action quickly, and do not panic. Remain calm and in charge of the situation.
While this may sound all serious and solemn, it is. But you can add some fun to your duties by playing some games with the children. You can even teach small children songs and read or tell them stories.
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