I know what you might be thinking. Babysitting? That's easy anyone can do that. And yes anyone can. But there is a big difference between being able to do it and being a babysitter that families use again and again and recommend to their friends and that both the kids and the parents like.
I've been babysitting for a long time now so I thought I would collate some of the things I've learnt and some of the tips I have.
Before Babysitting
PAY: It's always a good idea to know how much you charge per hour for babysitting. Personally if asked I say around £6.50 per hour (or £40 for a day). If they don't ask I don't tell them. If you are under 18 I would not be expecting to be paid this much, probably more like £5. I know some people expect to be paid far more than this and that's fine. I'm just telling you my prices.
PAY: It's always a good idea to know how much you charge per hour for babysitting. Personally if asked I say around £6.50 per hour (or £40 for a day). If they don't ask I don't tell them. If you are under 18 I would not be expecting to be paid this much, probably more like £5. I know some people expect to be paid far more than this and that's fine. I'm just telling you my prices.
QUESTIONS TO ASK: If you know the family you're babysitting then great. If you don't and you're texting or on the phone with one of the parents there are a few questions you should ask. You want to know the basics before you get there but you don't want to overload the parents with questions either.
1. The names and ages
2. Time
3. Bedtimes
4. The Address.
Knowing the names of the kids means that you will be able to get the names into your head so you aren't having a conversation with children that you aren't quite sure of the name of.
Knowing the ages means that you can get thinking about what kind of things you could do with them, what some of their interests might be. Anything to make those first few minutes less awkward. Most of the parents will have an idea of what you can do with the kids but it's always good to have some ideas just in case.
If you are babysitting for a long time and you know the children will be in bed (hopefully) asleep for a good portion then you can think about bring some things to do. Most of the time you can watch their TV but bringing a book or some homework is always a good idea.
Knowing the address you're going to may seem like a super obvious one but it's important you know where you're going and how long it will take you to get there. Google maps are your friends and if you really aren't sure it's not a bad thing to either leave earlier than you need to or take a trip to find the house a few days before you're due to babysit. it might feel a bit stalkerish but it's better than turning up late on the night!
It's also important you know how you are going to get to and from their house so work this out ahead of time.
During Babysitting
INTRODUCTIONS: If you already have a relationship with the family then arriving at their house is simple, no awkward introductions, lucky you!
If not then just breathe. Introduce yourself to the parents and when they introduce you to the kids introduce yourself to them too and either ask if you have their name right or ask them their name or age. Simple questions like that will help to make you seem less scary.
PARENTS: Listen to the parents as they talk you through all the information they want you to have. Make sure you know where they're going, emergency contact details and around what time they will be back as well as the all important bed time and any bedtime routines the kids have (such as reading a story, leaving a light on etc,)
INTRODUCTIONS: If you already have a relationship with the family then arriving at their house is simple, no awkward introductions, lucky you!
If not then just breathe. Introduce yourself to the parents and when they introduce you to the kids introduce yourself to them too and either ask if you have their name right or ask them their name or age. Simple questions like that will help to make you seem less scary.
PARENTS: Listen to the parents as they talk you through all the information they want you to have. Make sure you know where they're going, emergency contact details and around what time they will be back as well as the all important bed time and any bedtime routines the kids have (such as reading a story, leaving a light on etc,)
BED TIME: Make sure the kids know what time you're expecting them to go to bed so there are no arguments later on. Give them a 15 minute warning so that they know they will be going to bed soon.
THE KIDS: You want to be the kids friends, you want them to tell their parents how much fun they had so you need to play with them. Don't sit on your phone or leave them alone in their rooms. Ask them what they would like to do and try to play with all the kids together. However, you need to remember that you are in charge. Don't be afraid to get strict or if things are really bad threaten to phone the parents. And if you really need to it's okay to phone the parents, better that than they come home to chaos.
WHEN THEY GO TO BED: Make sure they brush their teeth and go to the toilet. I usually tell them I want them to stay in bed unless they need the toilet. If you're going to watch TV make sure it's appropriate in case the kids come into the room or the parents come home. Also make sure it's not too loud. Most parents will show you a snack cupboard or tell you to help yourself. Don't take this too literally, and wash any dishes you use. Make yourself comfortable but not too comfortable. You don't want to fall asleep or have all your belongings spread out all over the place.
RETURN OF THE PARENTS: When the parents come home gather all your stuff up quickly, talk quietly to them and answer their questions truthfully. If they ask you if the kids went to bed easily and they didn't. Tell them the truth because they probably know what their own children are like when it comes to bedtime! Ask them if they had a good time and then politely take your leave.
After Babysitting
If you know the family then check in with them casually the next time you see them and amidst the conversation you can mention the babysitting and tell them you enjoyed it and hope the kids did too.
If that was the first time you had ever met the family then I always think it's good practice to send them a message the day after you babysat. I usually word it somewhere along the lines of:
"Hi, * their name*
Thank you again for having me around to babysit the other night. I had a good time and enjoyed getting to know your kids. I hope they had a good time too. I would be more than happy to babysit for you again if you ever need me.
Thanks, Kate"
Keep it simple and polite but leave it open for them to get in contact with you again. Often parents worry that their children were a pain and that you (the babysitter) had an awful time so it's good to give them a bit of reassurance!
And there we have it. A complete guide to babysitting. If you have any questions feel free to tweet us or ask us on tumblr @SimplyKarah10
And just remember to relax. The parents are leaving you alone with their children, they already trust you.
Kate // SK
If you know the family then check in with them casually the next time you see them and amidst the conversation you can mention the babysitting and tell them you enjoyed it and hope the kids did too.
If that was the first time you had ever met the family then I always think it's good practice to send them a message the day after you babysat. I usually word it somewhere along the lines of:
"Hi, * their name*
Thank you again for having me around to babysit the other night. I had a good time and enjoyed getting to know your kids. I hope they had a good time too. I would be more than happy to babysit for you again if you ever need me.
Thanks, Kate"
Keep it simple and polite but leave it open for them to get in contact with you again. Often parents worry that their children were a pain and that you (the babysitter) had an awful time so it's good to give them a bit of reassurance!
And there we have it. A complete guide to babysitting. If you have any questions feel free to tweet us or ask us on tumblr @SimplyKarah10
And just remember to relax. The parents are leaving you alone with their children, they already trust you.
Kate // SK
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