How to Handle Babysitting Issues

​You may think that a babysitting job is pretty straightforward; you show up and watch children. However, parents have high expectations. After all, you are watching their most prized possessions, their children. It might help you to be aware of some of these common expectations before you begin babysitting. Read on to learn how to meet and exceed parent's needs.

Ask First

Even the parent may not know what his or her issues are until they arise. To avoid future conflict, it is best to get some things out of the way. Ask questions regarding eating time, allergies, medicines, important phone numbers, what to feed the children, what time is bedtime, what time are the parents coming home, what are the kids allowed to view on television or tablets, what to do if children misbehave, which toys are approved to play with, and what time should older kids be doing homework.

You might also need clarification on which parent to listen to if the mom and dad are divorced, separated, or if they just have different rules from each other.
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Be sure to ask about bedtime routines or bedtime can be a disaster. Children often resist going to bed but will respond favorably to book reading and being tucked in for the night. Arm yourself with whatever the parents say works the best with their children. 

Communicate

​Let the parents know what you did during your time at their house and which supplies you noticed are low. If you need more diapers or more of a snack that the kids like, be sure to mention it. 

​Parents Value Interaction

​A parent never wants a babysitter to just leave kids in front of a television or lying in a crib. Children develop through playtime. Playing is one way that they learn. This is true even for infants. Furthermore, if you play with the children they will be happier and you will be less bored.  If you are not great at imaginative play, you can always read a book or sing a song. If you keep the older children busy, they will be less apt to get into trouble. Unfortunately, the babysitter often gets blamed for not doing his or her job every time a kid breaks something or hits a brother or sister. 

Be on Time

​When you arrive on time, it shows that you are reliable. The parents may not always be ready to hand the kids over when you arrive, but at least you are doing your part. 

Keep Things Clean

​You can earn big points with parents if you pick up toys, wash the dishes and clean up mess. Don’t leave things for the mom or dad to clean when they arrive home.  

Stay in Control

​Ultimately you want to have happy kids and happy parents by avoiding crying babies and temper tantrums. One way to be proactive is to meet the kids before you babysit.  Ask the mom if you can come by a couple of times to spend a little time with the family. Once the kids are comfortable with you, they will not experience as much separation anxiety when they parents leave them with you. After you have the job, you will need to be perceived as the new leader in charge. Don’t respond overtly to attention seeking tactics. If a child is crying for attention, find out what the need is, but don’t cater unnecessarily. Similarly, don't give in to demands.

Keep Things Safe

​Keeping the kids safe is probably the number one expectation of the parents. This should be common sense, but here are a few suggestions.

• Pay attention to the children. Don’t immerse yourself into your phone. Don’t invite friends over, and do not leave kids alone.
• Keep the doors locked.
• Keep small objects out of the children’s reach.
• Do not let kids climb or jump in the house.
• Take a CPR and child care course if you can. 

Happy is the Goal

​If you keep a goal in mind of maintaining happy kids and satisfied parents, you will have more babysitting offers than you can handle.  It is very hard for a mother or father to trust a teenager to watch their kids. Once you establish trust, not only will they call you back for work, but they will probably refer you to other jobs.