My daughter is 13 and keeps asking to do babysitting. I don't really know if I should, because what if something happens (eg. child starts to choke). She really wants to start earning her own money.
By someone
They have official and simple baby sitting trainer courses through a lot of schools, churches, and communities. You should look into it. She could get certified. They also teach CPR.
I think you should consider letting your child try baby sitting. Just give her some "musts" for any sitting job she takes.
Must 1 - get the information of where the parent or parents are going and have a phone number for that location
Must 2 - get a cell phone number from the parent or guardian as well. This is not the same as the first 'must'. Some people talk so much on their cell phone that most of the time you try to call them the line is busy.
Must 3 - have a number for a reliable nearby neighbor she can call or even run to if there is a problem.
Must 4 - make sure she gets all important information concerning the child, allergies, asthma, favorite toy/doll to help distract the child when parents leave.
These aren't new ideas they are just very important ideas for a young child to take to heart. The first sign of trouble and the worse thing that can happen is panic sets in. If the child has all these numbers plus the knowledge of 911 and any situation can be handled.
A 13 year old is very capable of babysitting for short periods of time but they aren't used to being responsible and to maintain attention on another. I wouldn't recommend she have any sitting jobs longer than 3 hours until she has had a couple jobs under her belt.
"I want to start babysitting, but how do I find jobs?" Advice from the ThriftyFun community for babysitters just starting out. Post your own tips here.
Editor's Note: Please do not post personal information, including email addresses. We cannot help you find a specific babysitting job or babysitter in your area. Be sure that your parents are involved in this plan and that they meet anyone you may babysit for.
By kj
By KLS8800
By Diana
By Laura
By sandy
By imaqt1962
Editor's Note: Be sure your parents meet anyone who calls you from a posted ad, for your safety.
By Andrea
By Kelly
By Rachael
By Jazalyn
By Heather, MO
My daughter (13 years old) is babysitting for the first time this Sat. for our next door neighbor. I have given her the usual "do's & don't's", i.e. play games with the child, don't spend your time talking to your friends on the phone, and of course the safety issues. (The child is 7) I was wondering if anyone had some other suggestions for her? Thanks!
Just tell her to enjoy it sensibly and not get the child over excited. The child is probably looking forward to it as much as she is and the adults are the only anxious people.
My boys always loved their babysitters because they played with them. I would suggest that she read to this child because most kids don't get as many stories read to them as they would like. Once a sitter read 22 stories (like Cat in the Hat) to one of my sons, about age 5. It was a marathon!!!!
As a special treat, it seems to me that bubbles would be a really exciting thing to bring along. Bubble sets are really inexpensive at the dollar store, or you daughter might have some already, or you can use dish soap. That would really be a hit with a 7 year old.
Don't forget old card games or board games like Monoply or Go Fish or War. These are great games for kids, and modern parents are often too busy to teach kids these things nowadays.
Have fun. Louise, Nipawin, SK
How wonderful that you are taking such an active role! Tell her to use good communication with the parent and make sure she's not shy to ask questions.
My daughter took her own coloring books or craft items. She even took slice and bake cookies from time to time. Occasionally she'd bring her favorite G-rated DVDs and popcorn. It allowed her to direct some of the activities and the kids loved the surprise.
My oldest child is 13 and she actually babysits while we go out. My middle is 12 and my son is 7. I always make sure that she has her cell phone or house phone next to her the whole night.If needs to contact 911, she will not be nervous if she can not locate the phone. I also have older retired neighbors that are generally home after 8:00pm and she has their numbers programmed in her phone as well, just in case she hears a "noise" or gets nervous. I also make sure she definitely knows NOT to cook or turn any type of burners or toasters on. I leave all "bagged" snacks on the counter.
She may want to take a movie over that the 7 yr old has never watched to wind down at the end of the night. Wish her luck!
Have key phone numbers handy in case something seems amiss she can call in the experienced caregivers. In fact, send her with your cell phone if she does not have one, good to have, esp. if the house power goes out. Having an entire phone book in the phone helps as well.
Let her know not to hesitate to call and ask questions. Have her write down the children's address and place near their phone. In a crisis, she may not recall that new address to pass to those coming to help (caller ID may not be available in all areas from the 911 center and the dispatchers like to have it read to them).
Wait up or get up when she comes home, the proud smile and her first cash earnings will be something not to miss. She will also begin to appreciate what parents do and the weight of the responsibility within a home.
Good luck.
Hi, didn't read any feedbacks but when my 12yr.old granddaughter first baby sat with her 10mo.old sister for "just for a couple hours" I was livid. My GD,doesn't know "CPR". That's my feedback..Keeper in NC.
As a parent, I can tell your daughter that the number one thing when babysitting is to have fun with the child. However, my favorite babysitter always tidied up the house for me when my son was napping or in bed for the night. She even washed dishes! If your daughter takes the time to do a little clean-up, she'll be the number one babysitter on the block!
Two important rules:
1. Do not tell any callers that the adults aren't home. Simply say "they can't come to the phone right now, may I take a message?" (not an untruth, they really CAN't come to the phone lol)
2. Do not open the door for anyone, for any reason.
I'm 13 and starting a babysitting service, but don't know how much to charge and need help with babysitting tips.
By Skyelar
I want to babysit all ages, but I'm worried about the worst coming first. Like what if the parents forget milk and it's still on breast milk? Or what if it's constipated? What should I do?
By A'Kenziah
I am 15 and have been trying to get a job for a while. I finally got a job opportunity, I'm meeting her and her two children tomorrow. How should I act, and how do I deal with nervousness?
By Kassie H.
Taking care in how you find sitting jobs will help ensure your safety. Start with people that your know. This is a page about advice for safely finding babysitting jobs.