ABC's of Babysitting

When you are asked to baby-sit:

1. Be businesslike

a. Be ready to state clearly: day you are available, hours you may work, experience you have had (infant, six year-old, etc.) and pay you consider fair

2. Get specific information

a. Save time and prevent misunderstandings later by jotting down details.
b. Parents name, address and phone number (business phone number if necessary).
c. Number of children and ages.
d. Escort and transportation that will be provided to and from job. Even if you live only a few doors away an escort is desirable.

3. Be cautious

a. Don't accept if you don't know person calling. Ask who recommended you then check back. If in doubt about the person calling you, ask your parents. (They may want to call the police.)

4. Be prepared for the job.

a. Prior to first job with a family, plan for advance visit

to get acquainted with child
to learn about duties and arrangements

when you go on the job:

1. Leave note for your parents. Tell them:

a. Name, address and phone number of child's parents.
b. Time expected home

2. On arrival at child's home, get complete instructions from parents – insist on specific details

a. places where parents can be reached. Get phone numbers, names and addresses of people parents will visit.
b. Name and phone number of family doctor perhaps also trusted neighbour or friend.
c. Instructions for handling incoming phone calls. Have pencil and paper at phone.
d. Information about locking doors and windows, lights to be left on.
e. Action to take if the doorbell rings.
f. Bedtime rules for baby, for older children.
g. Special instructions (diapers, baby's bottle, bed time snacks, children's use of TV or radio, "lights out", etc.)

3. When the child's parents return, report any unusual happenings. Accept escort to your home as planned: however, if a parent is to drive you home but appears to be intoxicated, insist on calling your own parents to make other arrangements. And remember, you can call the police for assistance.

Safety and good Manners:
1. When a child's parents leave, you are in charge. Below are some responsibilities you should know about:

a. Guard against strangers

Check and lock all doors and windows.
Do not unlock door for anyone except in emergencies.
If suspicious about strange noises, a face at the window, a phone call that worries you – call 411.
If babysitting outdoors, never talk to strangers. If someone annoys you, call the police.

Be ready in case of fire:

first, get baby and other children out of house or apartment, then call the Fire Department from neighbors house if necessary.

Guard against accidents:

Pick up toys left on stairs – in hall or other passageways.
Be alert to possible child hazards (medicines in the bathroom, dangerous utensils in the kitchen or electrical outlets.)
Check frequently on children's play. Watch out for mischief if suddenly very quiet.
Do not operate appliances or equipment unless permission was given by parents

Remember you're an employee:

Take food only if you have permissions
Eat moderately, wash dishes you've used.
Don't "explore". Don't open closets or drawers or read personal letters left open to view.
Don't allow friends to visit you while babysitting.
Avoid making personal phone calls. Keep phone available for incoming calls from child's parents