Babysitting can be one of the easiest and least embarrassing ways to earn extra spending dough. You don't have to wear a lame uniform, you're usually treated to a free meal, and you don't have to hand over a substantial chunk of your paycheck to FICA. But the job can also be challenging if you're not prepared.
We here at SparkNotes have logged hundreds of hours with kids of all ages, and we've found that there are some simple ways to keep your babysitting experience disaster-free:
Do make sure you meet the kids before you commit to your first job. It's important for them to be comfortable with you and for you to scope them out. It's also a good way to figure out how to set your rate. If there are three rambunctious kids, you might want to up the hourly fee a bit.
Don't show up late for that meeting.
Do bring along some methods of filling your babysitting time. Board games, age-appropriate movies, and the willingness to be goofy and have fun are all ways to help pass the hours, especially on rainy summer days.
Don't expect to sit on the phone the entire time. Even though the job's pretty relaxed, it does require your attention...otherwise you could end up with a mess on your hands.
Do pay attention to the parent's instructions about meals. You want to make sure you're not giving the kid who's allergic to peanuts a PB&J sandwich.
Don't let the kids raide the fridge, devouring all sugar-filled items, and then wonder why they're completely freaking out when their parents get home.
Do follow house rules.
Don't let the kids tell you what those rules are.
Do ask the parents if it's OK if you meet up with a friend who's also babysitting that day. It will make your time at the pool more fun if you have someone to hang out with.
Don't invite your s.o. over after the kids have gone to bed. Truly bad form.
Do take the time to clean up after your projects. Parents will appreciate your effort and invite you back.
Don't let the kids get away without helping!
Do bring along a trashy tabloid-mag for some late night reading after the kids have gone to bed.
Don't watch "America's Most Wanted," "Dateline," or any other potentially paranoia-inducing television programs. You don't want the parents to come home only to find you crumpled in a corner crying because you think that there's a serial killer at the window when it's really just the family cat (we speak from experience on this one).
Have any babysitting horror stories? Or just some helpful tips to share?
Tags: parents, babysitting, jobs
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