Becoming a babysitter requires a lot of patience and responsibility. It's not easy caring for other's children when the parents are not nearby for support. You may want to have a practice session with one or both parents at home just to get used to the kids and ask questions as issues come up.
If you have already done that or want to go ahead and become a babysitter or have made plans to accept a babysitting job, here are some tips for getting the information you need. These are just a beginner’s guide, though, so be sure to ask additional questions that may come up.
1. Children's information. Learn each child's name, age, and something of their disposition. Get a sense of which one is the mischief-maker and which, the dependable helper. Call them by name and ask their help if it is needed.
2. Parents' contact information. Cell phones, pagers, destination address and phone, the hours they expect to be gone and the time of their estimated return can help you plan the evening accordingly and find the parents if needed for an emergency. You also should get back-up numbers and contact persons in case you are unable to reach the parents.
3. The kids' schedule. Ask what the parents would like you to do with the kids while supervising them. Should they do homework? Household chores? Amuse themselves? Or are you expected to become their playmate until Mom and Dad return?
4. Medical conditions, treatments, or potential problems. Ask about the kids' health, current conditions such as a cold, or chronic situations like asthma. Find out if you will need to provide medication. If so, write down the time and the dose to be given.
5. Pets. Determine whether Fido stays in or out, and who should feed the pets. If they require medicine, ask who should give it. Find out if the pets are aggressive or friendly.
6. Whose telephone calls or visits to accept. Some sitters never answer the phone, while others do and take messages. Ask the parents' preference. Also find out their policy for allowing neighbors to come in if parents aren't at home.
7. Food arrangements. Ask what the kids should eat for meals or snacks. Inquire about beverages, especially those with caffeine or sugar. You may want to find out about between-meal snacking and teeth brushing as well, especially if one of the kids has braces.
8. Boundaries and limits. Before the parents leave, inquire as to where the kids may play, and with whom. Should the kids' friends be allowed to come over? Is anyone prohibited from entering the house? Can kids talk on the phone, use the computer, or watch television? If so, for how long?
Watching other people's children can be detailed and demanding. Check with parents ahead of time about questions like these so everyone will know what to expect and be able to avoid confusion. The more calm the situation, the better off everyone involved will be, from parents to babysitter and to children. Planning ahead can head off a number of potentially serious problems.
