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TEN TIPS FOR BABYSITTING SAFELY:
It’s a good idea to begin babysitting one step at a time. You can
start by caring for a younger brother or sister while your parent is
home but busy with other work. Another possibility is to care for the
preschool child of a neighbor or family friend for a short time while
the parent is at home. Young children cannot always communicate their
needs or protect themselves. The babysitter must be able to handle
whatever situation arises. Sometimes that means knowing how to get an
adult to help.
When you are ready
to begin babysitting on your own, there are many responsibilities to
think about:
Be
prepared
Take a safe babysitters course if
available. Know first aid, rescue breathing, and care of the choking
child.
2.
Screen Requests
Be sure you are:
* Available- are you free when they
need a sitter?
* Able- can you handle the number
and ages of children?
* Be sure you know the family
requesting your help or have checked their references.
3.
Keep Your Parents Informed
Record job information on family
calendar- include:
*Name of employer
*Phone number
*Date and time of departure and
return
4.
Allow Time With Employer For Instructions
Check
out:
*House tour- children’s rooms, off
– limits areas, phones, first aid supplies
*Children’s routines- eating and
bedtime
*House rules- about television,
visitors, telephone calls
5.
Know Emergency Numbers
Before employer leaves write down:
*Phone number of employer’s home
*Address of employer’s home
*Phone number where employer can be
reached
*Phone number of available adult
*Phone number of emergency
services-911
6.
Practice Safe Household Habits
Protect yourself and the children:
*Lock doors
*Close blinds and windows
*Be careful with phone calls
*Don’t open the door to strangers
Watch Children At All Times
Remember, accidents are the leading
cause of death in young children
Be In Control Of The Children
Become familiar with employers’
approach to discipline
Know how to set limits and correct
children
Never slap or physically punish a child
9.
Obey The House Rules
Breaking rules may get you into
dangerous or embarrassing situations
Even if no obvious harm occurs, you
will confuse the children and set a bad example
Have Fun
Children are wonderful and well worth
your best efforts!
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