Becoming a babysitter demands patience and skill. If you're not sure whether the job is right for you, consider the following guidelines.
Nowadays a babysitter has a more clearly defined role. Male or female, a babysitter is expected to supervise children, usually for pay, and not worry about housework or other tasks unless they are part of the agreement. She may need to evaluate medical symptoms, call a parent or the doctor if needed, and care for an ailing child until help arrives. Indirectly, she also is responsible for the home and property while parents are away.
Many teenagers take babysitting jobs since most parents with young children do not require a license or special training for this job. Nor do they pay much, perhaps a dollar or two per hour. So teens that are not yet 16 and eligible for other work may decide to baby-sit to earn disposable income for fun things or to save for college expenses.
But babysitting isn't for everyone. People who cannot get around well or who are physically impaired in ways that prevent them from safely monitoring the children may not be the best child care candidates. Visual limitations, hearing disorders, and the inability to speak clearly may present obstacles to a potential babysitter.
Another possible problem is emotional status. Someone who is clinically depressed or on medication for another emotional or mental disorder may not have the presence of mind to oversee young children. Those who drink too much or use illegal drugs should not be asked to baby-sit. Nor should someone be considered who has a criminal record, especially one involving young children.
Instead, babysitters need to be active, alert, and energetic in caring for their charges. Patience will be needed in huge supply, along with a sense of humor. A native English speaker (or whatever language the family speaks) is necessary as well.
Today's babysitter may have taken a child care class through the YMCA or local library or civic group. There are many books and videos that can help prepare someone to become a child care supervisor. Helping with family kids before getting paid to watch other people's kids may be a helpful activity.
An interview should reveal the babysitting applicant's seriousness about the job, a frame of mind for supervising others, and creativity for keeping children busy and active while learning helpful things. Experienced sitters sometimes bring bags of goodies, which include games, surprises, and treats for the children they watch.
If you enjoy children, like to make things, and have a sense of responsibility for others, babysitting may be a good choice of job. But if you are a neat freak, have little patience, and don't appreciate being bothered, you may not enjoy a babysitting job.
Give careful thought to a job of this type, since your decision will impact other lives beside your own. Then, if you decide to give it a try, look for families whose children you can trust to mind you.
