For Our Young Readers Who Have Reached Babysitting Age, We Offer a Few Tips to Help Get You Started.
By Bonnie Drew
Are you ready to start babysitting? That's great! But although babysitting is a great way for young people to make money, it can be a source of stress or even fear for those who are unprepared. Before you babysit, talk to the family until you're clear on exactly what they expect you to do. Agree on the time period and pay rate and be sure to get some emergency numbers in case problems arise.
Your preparation might also include gathering materials to use when you arrive. Some babysitters make "Kid Kits" for the youngsters they're watching. The bag or box might include story books, paints, crayons, markers, coloring books and cartoon VCR tapes or DVDs. A simple first aid kit is also a good item to include.
Remember that babysitting doesn't have to be a nightmare. In fact, it can be very enjoyable if you arrive prepared. Decide in advance what you will do if things go wrong.
Plan a fun activity to do when the parents leave and the children get upset. That can help calm them down. In difficult cases, remain calm yourself and speak firmly. Remember that threats and yelling only show the kids you're out of control. Suggest a game in which they have to be quiet or read them a story.
If the children make a mess, you can also make a "clean up" game. Later in the evening, be sure you stick to the children's normal bed time routine. Read a quiet story, sing, or lie down nearby.
Positive experiences will give you confidence for taking other babysitting jobs in the future. And that can mean even more income! Good luck!
Bonnie Drew is the author of FAST CASH FOR KIDS (2nd edition), published by Career Press (1-800-227-3371). She is also the creator of the KIDS BUSINESS software for young entrepreneurs, available from Homeland Publications (713-332-9764).
Drew is also Editor of YoungBiz online magazine, published by Kid's Way, Inc., a company that helps youth prepare for business and the workplace of the 21st century. For more information, write to Kid's Way at 5589 Peachtree Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341 or call toll free 1-888-KidsWay (1-888-543-7929). YoungBiz magazine can be found at http://www.youngbiz.com
|
|
Index |
 |
Idea Help |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |