Babysitting Made Babysitting Made EasyEasy

By L'Oreal Thompson and By L'Oreal Thompson and Patricia McNamara (GL Mag.)Patricia McNamara (GL Mag.)

PowerPoint designed by PowerPoint designed by Mercedes KidonMercedes Kidon

You Will Find……You Will Find……• Title And Authors Page…………….. Slide #1Title And Authors Page…………….. Slide #1• Contents (You Will Find……)……… Slide #2Contents (You Will Find……)……… Slide #2• Intro……………………………………….. Slide #3Intro……………………………………….. Slide #3• Decisions, Decisions………………… Slide #4Decisions, Decisions………………… Slide #4

• Test The WatersTest The Waters• Get CertifiedGet Certified

• Get The Gig, Girl Friend……………. Slide #5Get The Gig, Girl Friend……………. Slide #5• Deal Or No DealDeal Or No Deal

• Meet The Smiths……………………… Slide #6Meet The Smiths……………………… Slide #6• House RulesHouse Rules• Win Over The Kids In 60 Secs Or LessWin Over The Kids In 60 Secs Or Less

• Let The Games Begin……………….. Slide #7Let The Games Begin……………….. Slide #7• An Active Babysitter Is An Awesome BabysitterAn Active Babysitter Is An Awesome Babysitter• Mary Poppins Has Nothin’ On YouMary Poppins Has Nothin’ On You

• Just Say “No”………………………….. Slide #8Just Say “No”………………………….. Slide #8• Beat The Bedtime Blues…………… Slide #9Beat The Bedtime Blues…………… Slide #9• Now What……………………………….. Slide #10Now What……………………………….. Slide #10• Boredom Busters…………………….. Slide #11Boredom Busters…………………….. Slide #11• What To Do When……………………. Slide #12What To Do When……………………. Slide #12• Survival Secrets……………………… Slide #13Survival Secrets……………………… Slide #13

IntroIntro• Babysitting isn’t for babies! Think you have what it takes to Babysitting isn’t for babies! Think you have what it takes to

join the club? Here’s how to be a superstar sitter!join the club? Here’s how to be a superstar sitter!

• Dirty diapers. Hours of playing make-believe. Hyperactive Dirty diapers. Hours of playing make-believe. Hyperactive kids. And, at the end of the night, a sweet stash of cash. kids. And, at the end of the night, a sweet stash of cash. Cha-ching! We’ve got the scoop on how to be the best-and Cha-ching! We’ve got the scoop on how to be the best-and busiest-sitter on the block. busiest-sitter on the block.

Decisions, DecisionsDecisions, Decisions• It takes a certain gal to get this job done (if the thought of screaming children It takes a certain gal to get this job done (if the thought of screaming children

and late hours has you running for the hills, reconsider). Babysitting isn’t just and late hours has you running for the hills, reconsider). Babysitting isn’t just work-it’s a relationship. As one super sitter puts it, “I love to watch the babies work-it’s a relationship. As one super sitter puts it, “I love to watch the babies grow up. I’ve seen a set of twins learn to sit up, crawl, stand, walk, and eat real grow up. I’ve seen a set of twins learn to sit up, crawl, stand, walk, and eat real food. It’s an amazing experience!” But before you decide to embark on this food. It’s an amazing experience!” But before you decide to embark on this journey, here are things to think about. journey, here are things to think about.

• Test The Waters………… Babysitting is a big deal! You’re not only responsible for Test The Waters………… Babysitting is a big deal! You’re not only responsible for the rugrats’ health and safety, but also their happiness. If you have a younger the rugrats’ health and safety, but also their happiness. If you have a younger bro or sis, you’re ahead of the game. But for those who’ve never sat for sibs, bro or sis, you’re ahead of the game. But for those who’ve never sat for sibs, ease your way in by being a mother’s helper. It’s less pressure because an adult ease your way in by being a mother’s helper. It’s less pressure because an adult is home, but you still learn how to care for precious cargo. BONUS: You’ll gain a is home, but you still learn how to care for precious cargo. BONUS: You’ll gain a possible future client or a reference.possible future client or a reference.

• Get Certified............ Families want the best of the best. Get an official Get Certified............ Families want the best of the best. Get an official Certification-there’s no better way to establish yourself as a pro. We recommend Certification-there’s no better way to establish yourself as a pro. We recommend the American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Course, an interactive class that the American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Course, an interactive class that gives you tips on everything from the interview to first aid. It’ll cost you up to gives you tips on everything from the interview to first aid. It’ll cost you up to $65, but c’mon. That’s chump change considering your qualifications are bound $65, but c’mon. That’s chump change considering your qualifications are bound to earn a higher rate and greater clientele. To find a chapter near you, log on to to earn a higher rate and greater clientele. To find a chapter near you, log on to redcross.org. redcross.org.

Get The Gig, Girl FriendGet The Gig, Girl Friend• You’re ready. Now what? You need customers! Word-of-mouth is a good bet. Let You’re ready. Now what? You need customers! Word-of-mouth is a good bet. Let

relatives, neighbors, church members, even teachers know you’re open for relatives, neighbors, church members, even teachers know you’re open for business. Next, throw together a brief resume with your background. Since you business. Next, throw together a brief resume with your background. Since you don’t have a mile-long list of past jobs, focus on any experience that prepares don’t have a mile-long list of past jobs, focus on any experience that prepares you for babysitting (“As the older sister of triplets, I can handle a small load of you for babysitting (“As the older sister of triplets, I can handle a small load of little ones”), accomplishments that showcase responsibility (“I headed up the little ones”), accomplishments that showcase responsibility (“I headed up the fifth-grade can drive”) and any interests you have that might make you seem fifth-grade can drive”) and any interests you have that might make you seem like someone the kids would have fun with (“I’m an expert at making friendship like someone the kids would have fun with (“I’m an expert at making friendship bracelets”). Finally, list three trustworthy references to back you up.bracelets”). Finally, list three trustworthy references to back you up.

• Deal Or No Deal............ You’ve put yourself out there and got the call. Congrats! Deal Or No Deal............ You’ve put yourself out there and got the call. Congrats! But before you agree to anything, know what you’re getting into. Have a chat But before you agree to anything, know what you’re getting into. Have a chat with the family to get the basics-how many kids, their ages, when they need with the family to get the basics-how many kids, their ages, when they need you. Oh, and just how much moolah should you charge? Babysitting is a you. Oh, and just how much moolah should you charge? Babysitting is a business, so be reasonable-without selling yourself short. On average, business, so be reasonable-without selling yourself short. On average, babysitters charge from $5 to $7 an hour. This amount can, and probably will babysitters charge from $5 to $7 an hour. This amount can, and probably will change depending on where you live, and what is considered ‘cheap’ and change depending on where you live, and what is considered ‘cheap’ and ‘expensive’. But that rate can vary depending on how many kids and what is ‘expensive’. But that rate can vary depending on how many kids and what is expected of you. In fact, 49% of girls don’t charge the same for every family and expected of you. In fact, 49% of girls don’t charge the same for every family and every job. Many even add an extra buck or two an hour for each additional kid every job. Many even add an extra buck or two an hour for each additional kid or extra household chores. Ask around to get a consensus for what the going or extra household chores. Ask around to get a consensus for what the going rate is, then take it from there.rate is, then take it from there.

Meet The SmithsMeet The Smiths• Before a first gig, arrive about 15 minutes early. Rest assured, the folks will Before a first gig, arrive about 15 minutes early. Rest assured, the folks will

spell out the essentials, but be prepped with a list of questions or concerns. spell out the essentials, but be prepped with a list of questions or concerns. Have a pen and pad to jot down the necessary contact numbers-both cells, Have a pen and pad to jot down the necessary contact numbers-both cells, their destinations, a backup person (like a grandparent or friendly neighbor). their destinations, a backup person (like a grandparent or friendly neighbor). Ask for detailed info about the children’s allergies or special needs. And last Ask for detailed info about the children’s allergies or special needs. And last but not least, be sure you know where you know where emergency stuff is but not least, be sure you know where you know where emergency stuff is stored (flashlights, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, etc.).stored (flashlights, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, etc.).

• House Rules………… Every family is different, so what works for the Joneses House Rules………… Every family is different, so what works for the Joneses might be the complete opposite at the Smiths. Have a clear understanding of might be the complete opposite at the Smiths. Have a clear understanding of rules and routines for nap time, snacks, and TV. Keep in mind you, too, have rules and routines for nap time, snacks, and TV. Keep in mind you, too, have rules. The family is welcoming you into their home, so this is not a place to rules. The family is welcoming you into their home, so this is not a place to put your feet up or treat the fridge like an all-you-can-eat buffet. If the put your feet up or treat the fridge like an all-you-can-eat buffet. If the parents feel you were discourteous, you run the risk of losing your job, so parents feel you were discourteous, you run the risk of losing your job, so what’s the point?what’s the point?

• Win Over The Kids In 60 Secs Or Less………… Get a house tour from your Win Over The Kids In 60 Secs Or Less………… Get a house tour from your toughest customers-the kids. Have them point out everything from their toughest customers-the kids. Have them point out everything from their bedrooms to their fave hiding spots. Take it from one good sitter, “It’s a great bedrooms to their fave hiding spots. Take it from one good sitter, “It’s a great way to learn about the kids and the house at the same time. You can find out way to learn about the kids and the house at the same time. You can find out where they are most comfortable, where their toys are, and where they aren’t where they are most comfortable, where their toys are, and where they aren’t allowed to be.”allowed to be.”

Let The Games BeginLet The Games Begin• The parents just pulled away. You’re in charge! Remain confident, knowing The parents just pulled away. You’re in charge! Remain confident, knowing

you’re gonna rock it. No matter what, you’re gonna rock it. No matter what, alwaysalways keep an eye on the kids. This keep an eye on the kids. This girl learned the hard way: “One time, a boy I was babysitting got hurt so I girl learned the hard way: “One time, a boy I was babysitting got hurt so I went to get him some ice. I was gone for two minutes, and the other child went to get him some ice. I was gone for two minutes, and the other child fell down the stairs when I left the room. It may not seem like anything fell down the stairs when I left the room. It may not seem like anything could happen in that time, but it can.” So true!could happen in that time, but it can.” So true!

• An Active Babysitter Is An Awesome Babysitter………… Hello, you’re not An Active Babysitter Is An Awesome Babysitter………… Hello, you’re not getting paid to lounge around. These kids want you to be fun! Be getting paid to lounge around. These kids want you to be fun! Be imaginative and creative, and let your inner child crawl out. One imaginative and creative, and let your inner child crawl out. One babysitting pro says, “Make the kids babysitting pro says, “Make the kids wantwant you to come back. Just because you to come back. Just because the parents aren’t there to see doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put your best the parents aren’t there to see doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put your best foot forward. Kids aren’t stupid and won’t hesitate to tell their parents if foot forward. Kids aren’t stupid and won’t hesitate to tell their parents if you’re a slacker.”you’re a slacker.”

• Mary Poppins Has Nothin’ On You………… Show up with a bag of tricks to Mary Poppins Has Nothin’ On You………… Show up with a bag of tricks to prevent the dreaded “I’m bored!” cry (see hints at the end). Have a stash prevent the dreaded “I’m bored!” cry (see hints at the end). Have a stash of coloring books and crayons, or build a blanket fort. For older kids, bring of coloring books and crayons, or build a blanket fort. For older kids, bring a board game. a board game.

Just Say “No”Just Say “No”• Sure, you want the kids to like you, but there will come a point in every Sure, you want the kids to like you, but there will come a point in every

babysitter’s career where she will have to say that dreaded two-letter babysitter’s career where she will have to say that dreaded two-letter word, “No.” Face it-since you’re not their parent, some kids are going to try word, “No.” Face it-since you’re not their parent, some kids are going to try to pull a fast one on you. You’ve been prepped and know the rules, so stick to pull a fast one on you. You’ve been prepped and know the rules, so stick to them! The kids might cry or flash puppy-dog eyes, but firmly hold your to them! The kids might cry or flash puppy-dog eyes, but firmly hold your ground. Look at it this way, if you’re a pushover, they’ll keep trying, but if ground. Look at it this way, if you’re a pushover, they’ll keep trying, but if you stay firm and calm, you’ll get the point across that this chica means you stay firm and calm, you’ll get the point across that this chica means business. It’ll earn their respect. The kids are still misbehaving? Try the business. It’ll earn their respect. The kids are still misbehaving? Try the gold-star system. For every time a kid listens or does something good, give gold-star system. For every time a kid listens or does something good, give him a sticker and let him know he gets a surprise if he scores three of him a sticker and let him know he gets a surprise if he scores three of them. It could be a small toy you brought, a piece pf candy, or even an them. It could be a small toy you brought, a piece pf candy, or even an extra bedtime story. Bribery? Maybe. But it works.extra bedtime story. Bribery? Maybe. But it works.

Beat The Bedtime BluesBeat The Bedtime Blues• At least an hour before bedtime, avoid activities, like hide-and-seek, that At least an hour before bedtime, avoid activities, like hide-and-seek, that

might get the little ones all wound up. Watching more than one kid? Turn it might get the little ones all wound up. Watching more than one kid? Turn it into a game, advises sitter Zoey: “I tell the older one to set a good into a game, advises sitter Zoey: “I tell the older one to set a good example and get ready for bed. Then I tell his sis to show him how good example and get ready for bed. Then I tell his sis to show him how good she listens and copy him. It works every time.” And don’t forget to have she listens and copy him. It works every time.” And don’t forget to have them brush their teeth and go to the bathroom.them brush their teeth and go to the bathroom.

Now WhatNow What• What to do when the kids are snoozing and the parents aren’t due for a What to do when the kids are snoozing and the parents aren’t due for a

few? Time for a little bonus work. Straighten up the living room, load the few? Time for a little bonus work. Straighten up the living room, load the dishwasher, and put toys away. When everything is tidied up, whip out dishwasher, and put toys away. When everything is tidied up, whip out your homework book or catch up on a good read. And as comfy as that your homework book or catch up on a good read. And as comfy as that couch may be, don’t drift off. Stay alert. Just because the kids are sleeping couch may be, don’t drift off. Stay alert. Just because the kids are sleeping doesn’t mean you can take a trip to la-la land. When the folks roll in, give a doesn’t mean you can take a trip to la-la land. When the folks roll in, give a full report. Talk about the fun stuff you did, praise good behavior, and full report. Talk about the fun stuff you did, praise good behavior, and express enthusiasm to sit again. Happy parents equal satisfied customers. express enthusiasm to sit again. Happy parents equal satisfied customers. A job well done!A job well done!

Boredom BustersBoredom Busters• Bust The Boredom………… You’ve watched Spongebob so many times you’re starting to Bust The Boredom………… You’ve watched Spongebob so many times you’re starting to

feel like you’re living under water? Try these games. It’s a guaranteed great time for feel like you’re living under water? Try these games. It’s a guaranteed great time for everyone!everyone!• Puppet Babies (ages 2 to 4)….. C’mon, who doesn’t love puppets? Kids go crazy for Puppet Babies (ages 2 to 4)….. C’mon, who doesn’t love puppets? Kids go crazy for

them. Snag some old socks from your drawer, then decorate them with fabric them. Snag some old socks from your drawer, then decorate them with fabric markers and googly eyes. Ask the kids to help you put on a show.markers and googly eyes. Ask the kids to help you put on a show.

• Chalk Full O’ Fun (ages 4 to 6)….. Hopscotch is a total classic. Bring along some Chalk Full O’ Fun (ages 4 to 6)….. Hopscotch is a total classic. Bring along some colorful sidewalk chalk, then head outside with the kids to hold your own tourney. colorful sidewalk chalk, then head outside with the kids to hold your own tourney. The parents will love seeing the artwork when they return, and it washes away with The parents will love seeing the artwork when they return, and it washes away with rain or a hose.rain or a hose.

• Do-It-Yourself (ages 4 to 6)….. Art class is a fave for many kids, so why not bring the Do-It-Yourself (ages 4 to 6)….. Art class is a fave for many kids, so why not bring the crafts to them? Do simple stuff like popsicle-stick frames, or help them make crafts to them? Do simple stuff like popsicle-stick frames, or help them make Mother’s or Father’s Day cards that will knock the parents over with glee. Older kids Mother’s or Father’s Day cards that will knock the parents over with glee. Older kids always dig this and can help little ones with glue and scissors.always dig this and can help little ones with glue and scissors.

• House Hunting (ages 7 to 10) Need a way to keep been-there/done-that kids out of House Hunting (ages 7 to 10) Need a way to keep been-there/done-that kids out of trouble and away from the TV trance? Organize a scavenger hunt! Have the kids sit trouble and away from the TV trance? Organize a scavenger hunt! Have the kids sit in the living room, while you scope out unique stuff in different rooms. Divide the kids in the living room, while you scope out unique stuff in different rooms. Divide the kids into teams, and have them search for items using cryptic clues. Give them a time into teams, and have them search for items using cryptic clues. Give them a time limit (about a half our should do it) to find the goods-and whoever discovers the most limit (about a half our should do it) to find the goods-and whoever discovers the most wins a prize!wins a prize!

What To Do When…..What To Do When…..• Two kids start fighting either with words or fists……..Two kids start fighting either with words or fists……..Separate the two kids and let them cool off. A good rule is one minute of time-out for each Separate the two kids and let them cool off. A good rule is one minute of time-out for each

year of the child’s age. Tell them that fighting is not OK, and round two lands them year of the child’s age. Tell them that fighting is not OK, and round two lands them back in time-out.back in time-out.

• Someone unexpected knocks at the door………..Someone unexpected knocks at the door………..DO NOT open the door. It doesn’t matter why the person is there, tell him to come back at DO NOT open the door. It doesn’t matter why the person is there, tell him to come back at

a later date. Call the parents to tell them about this, and don’t hesitate to call your a later date. Call the parents to tell them about this, and don’t hesitate to call your folks or 911.folks or 911.

• Something expensive or important gets broken, ripped, stained, etc…….Something expensive or important gets broken, ripped, stained, etc…….Clean up any mess before the kids get hurt, and when the parents return, tell them the Clean up any mess before the kids get hurt, and when the parents return, tell them the

truth, and offer to repay them. Chances are, they will let it go for now. And clearing the truth, and offer to repay them. Chances are, they will let it go for now. And clearing the problem with honesty and asking for forgiveness shows signs of maturity.problem with honesty and asking for forgiveness shows signs of maturity.

• It’s getting very late, and the parents haven’t returned yet………..It’s getting very late, and the parents haven’t returned yet………..It’s entirely possible that they could have lost track of time. Give their cell, or even the It’s entirely possible that they could have lost track of time. Give their cell, or even the

restaurant a call. If they don’t answer, call your parent or another trusted adult to wait restaurant a call. If they don’t answer, call your parent or another trusted adult to wait with you at the house until they return.with you at the house until they return.

• You and the little girl are playing with her dolls, when out of nowhere, she says, You and the little girl are playing with her dolls, when out of nowhere, she says, “Where do babies come from?”………………….“Where do babies come from?”………………….

This is always the one question that parents and sitters dread answering. And is best left to This is always the one question that parents and sitters dread answering. And is best left to the professionals, aka, Mom and Dad. The best reply would be, “That’s a great the professionals, aka, Mom and Dad. The best reply would be, “That’s a great question, but we should wait until Mommy and Daddy come home to help us figure it question, but we should wait until Mommy and Daddy come home to help us figure it out.out.

Survival SecretsSurvival Secrets• #1………. Dirty diaper? Rub Vicks Vaporub under your nose to block out the #1………. Dirty diaper? Rub Vicks Vaporub under your nose to block out the

smell, then double-bag it!smell, then double-bag it!• #2………. Kid won’t sleep ‘cuz “monsters are in the closet”? Mix water with #2………. Kid won’t sleep ‘cuz “monsters are in the closet”? Mix water with

glitter in a spray bottle. Instant monster spray, one squirt and they’re glitter in a spray bottle. Instant monster spray, one squirt and they’re gone!gone!

• #3………. Grape juice spilled on the carpet? Act fast. Mix vinegar, water, #3………. Grape juice spilled on the carpet? Act fast. Mix vinegar, water, and dish soap and work into the spot with a cloth.and dish soap and work into the spot with a cloth.

• #4………. Babies love dangling earrings. Unless you want them tugging at #4………. Babies love dangling earrings. Unless you want them tugging at your ears all night, better leave them at home.your ears all night, better leave them at home.

• #5………. Save happy meal toys as prizes and toys for the kids.#5………. Save happy meal toys as prizes and toys for the kids.• #6………. Not everything goes smoothly, but if you have a good time, the #6………. Not everything goes smoothly, but if you have a good time, the

kids will be begging to see you again!kids will be begging to see you again!