Harried parents in search of a child care assistant may unwittingly hire the first teenager they meet, even if the teen lacks essential supervisory skills.
While many older children in this age range have the maturity and judgment to oversee younger children, for a variety of reasons they sometimes aren't willing or able to do a good job. It is up to parents to carefully screen babysitting applicants to find a suitable person for the job. A wise teen will look for training opportunities to develop child care skills that so many parents desperately need.
There are several ways in which a teenager or young person can get helpful babysitting training:
1. Help an older sibling. If an older brother or sister baby-sits, go along to see how it's done. Sometimes the older sibling will pay a portion of the earnings to a younger brother or sister who helps to run after the little ones or play with them to keep them entertained. On the job experience of this type can be beneficial when preparing to seek babysitting jobs later.
2. Become a mother's helper. By age twelve or so, a preteen may want to promote her services as a mother's assistant. With Mom in the home to keep an eye on things, the preteen can supervise or amuse the children and prepare snacks or settle them for a nap. With Mom there for questions and problems, this set-up allows Mom to get things done and the preteen to acquire valuable experience.
3. Take a babysitting course. The Red Cross and other social service agencies offer babysitting training classes, usually a half- or whole day, during which participants learn basic child care skills. These typically include child safety, nutrition, and recreation. Those who complete the course earn a certificate that helps to convince anxious parents that the preteen knows how to care for young children.
4. Check out library resources. Books, articles in girls' magazines, and videos offer tips, guidelines, and suggestions for building babysitting expertise. If you don't find these materials on the shelves, ask the librarian if they can be borrowed from another branch.
5. Take Mom along. For the first babysitting job or two, ask Mom to go along for guidance. Let her keep the pay if she wants it because the training and supervision will be worth it in helping you secure more babysitting jobs. Another way to keep in touch is find out where your mom will be while you're babysitting and ask her to answer the phone if you call.
6. Prove yourself. Avoid temptations like talking on the phone, cleaning out the refrigerator, or inviting your chums over while babysitting. Instead, pay close attention to the kids and be sure to meet their eating, napping, and playtime needs. Ask parents ahead of time about discipline and contact information. Know what to do if the smoke alarm goes off or the power shuts down.
Those who want to baby-sit offer a valuable service to busy parents. Moreover, young people who provide child care gain helpful experience and insight that will come in handy when they have their own families later. Start off this meaningful career by getting the training that will set you apart from contenders and earn parents' trust.
