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Babysitting is an important job to have, and it’s a great way to make an income. So, what makes a good babysitter? First, of course, you must love children and have an idea of their needs, but what else does it take? Being a babysitter means that you are responsible, trustworthy, and dependable, but there are other things that you need to be a greater babysitter. Below, you will see three things you need to be a great babysitter.
Safety Needs and First Aid
As a babysitter, you are entrusted with someone else’s children, which means that you need to know what to do in case of an emergency. Many parents will leave their numbers and the number of a family friend or grandparent, but you will need to know basic safety if they can’t be reached. Having a good knowledge of basic first aid is a must as a caretaker, especially for children. Knowing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an important skill to have. Look to get a CPR first aid certification to ensure you know what to do in case of an immediate emergency. In many cases, taking a first aid course is a job requirement for babysitters, and there are many classes available for CPR year-round. For instance, you may register and take a course at the CPR training Hamilton facility.
Bringing the Sweet Treats
If there’s one thing that kids love, it’s treats. Having treats on hand makes babysitting a breeze because you can reward kids for good behavior like cleaning up their toys. In addition, keeping a bag of treats and goodies with you can help kids be more receptive to you and trust you more. A perfect treat for kids is macarons. These cookies come in an assortment of kid-friendly flavors, like birthday cake. Simply search for macarons for sale to find a reputable seller, such as Macaron Queen. Bringing treats when you’re babysitting isn’t just to fill the kids up on sweets and leave them to their own devices. Instead, treats should be used as a fun surprise from time to time or a potential reward for good behavior, in moderation.
Remember to check with the childrens’ parents to ensure they’re okay with you giving their kids a sweet treat from time to time. Furthermore, you’ll need to be aware of any allergies they may have to avoid any reactions.
Making a Game Plan
An essential thing you need to be a great babysitter is some kind of game plan. Indeed, no two children are exactly alike, nor will they behave identically. So, there’s no one-size-fits-all plan that you can make to take care of all your clients’ children. However, a basic outline of what you’ll do, when you’ll do it, and how you’ll respond to various scenarios will help you stay ahead of the game and be better prepared to handle multiple challenges in the babysitting field.
When making your basic plan, choose a simple, non-detailed schedule for your time babysitting with enough flexibility to accommodate each parent’s requests. Furthermore, it would be best if you had some ideas of age-appropriate activities you can do with the kids you’re watching. For example, you can pack a bag with games and activities sorted by age, such as a few games for toddlers, then school-age children, and finally preteens. This way, no matter what age range you’re babysitting, you’ll always be prepared.
Babysitting Greatness
So long as you meet your safety needs, bring some treats, and establish a flexible game plan, you should have no trouble tackling even the rowdiest of children when you’re babysitting. Remember, no two children are alike, and babysitting can sometimes get challenging. However, it’s a rewarding experience that can effectively prepare you for having your own children one day, should you choose to, while making some extra money on the side.
