Babysitting is a job that carries a large responsibility and one should not treat babysitting as just a way to earn money. Your child should approach the job with a mature and responsible attitude. Every babysitting assignment should be carefully planned to ensure the safety and well being of both child and babysitter.
HELPFUL BABYSITTING TIPS
- Enroll your child in a babysitting course, which is available to young people over 11 years of age at most community centres.
- Enroll your child in a First Aid/CPR course
- Babysitters should clearly state the days they are available, hours of work, experience they have, and the pay they consider fair
- They should get specific information such as: parent's name, address, phone number, number of children and their ages, escort and transportation that will be provided to and from the job, etc.
- They should write all information down to avoid confusion or misunderstandings
- They should not accept a job if they don't know the person calling. They should first ask who recommended them, then check back. If in doubt, they should refuse.
- They should never advertise on bulletin boards. It may solicit unwanted responses.
PRECAUTIONS THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN WHILE BABYSITTING
- Check all windows and lock all doors
- Do not allow anyone inside without prior permission from your employer
- Never admit on the telephone or at the door that you are the babysitter
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A FIRE?
- Get the children out of the home and call 9-1-1
- Do not re-enter the home
- Keep a close watch on the children so that they do not try and re-enter the home or get in the way of emergency personnel
- Contact the home owner and your parent
How can babysitters guard against accidents?
- Pick up toys left on the stairs, in hall or other pathways
- Be alert to possible child hazards (medicines in bathroom, dangerous utensils in kitchen, electrical outlets)
- Check frequently on children while they are playing
- Do not operate appliances or equipment, unless permission was given by the employer
HOW TO BE SAFE ON THE STREET WITH CHILDREN
- Babysitters should never take the children into someone else's home or vehicle unless permission was granted by the children's parents
- They should not take the children to secluded parks, woods, parking lots, or school yards particularly late afternoon or evening
- Precautions should be taken when attending after school activities:
- Babysitters should plan the best route with their employer, avoiding unsafe/dangerous places
- They should stay on that route and identify the neighbourhood safe houses, businesses, or stores they can go to in an emergency
- Babysitters should always listen to their instincts, that little voice inside that tells them when something does not feel quite right
INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR A MESSAGE CENTRE (a list left by the children’s parents):
- A number where employer can be reached
- The children's routes to and from school
- Neighbours or friends phone numbers
- Emergency numbers: Poison Information Center, Police, Fire Department, and Ambulance
- Location of the children's health cards
- Medical Background for each child: allergies, epileptic seizures, etc. ( if medication is required, they should know the times and the proper dosage to be given
RESPECT THE HOMES AND PARENT’S WISHES BY:
- NOT eating any food unless you have permission
- NOT open closets or drawers or read personal letters open to view
- NOT allow friends to visit while you are babysitting
- NOT make prolonged personal phone calls
- Having specific instructions for handling incoming calls or actions to be taken if the doorbell rings - NEVER tell anyone who calls or visits that they are alone
Your child is there to do a job – watching the children. Accidents can happen at anytime, but your child needs to know that they can prevent a lot of them if they are paying attention and with the children.
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