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Teens & Babysitting: Part II
Getting Along With Children
An important aspect of getting along with children is to know yourself. Maybe you don't enjoy the hustle and bustle of
taking care of several children at one time. You might prefer older children or infants. Perhaps you’ve been sitting
for a child who has been a problem for you and you feel youcannot babysit any longer. Be honest with parents about your preferences.
If you are a new sitter, you might want to start out by sitting while the parents are at home. Know your skills and abilities, then
put them to use. To get along with children it’s important to understand that they are all very different. Your skill as a babysitter depends on your ability
to recognize how different and unique each child is and to adapt your approach to that child. Sounds like a big order
doesn’t it? This page has suggestions that you might find helpful.
Play
Children love to be played with. Keep it safe and interesting by making play appropriate to age - the younger the child,
the shorter the attention span. Plan simple activities and don’t be discouraged if the child doesn’t complete what
you’ve planned. If a child is playing happily, it’s best not to interrupt.
Try not to be too active with small children. Roughhousing, especially around bedtime, can stimulate a child and make
bedtime difficult. Acquaint yourself with quiet as well as stimulating activities.
Prepare a babysitter’s kit for yourself. This would be your own collection of toys and surprises. Children will be
delighted when you show up with any of the following: bubbles for bubble blowing, crayons and paper, old magazines
and child-sized scissors for cutting, story books, a jack-in-the-box, balls, yo-yo, flashlight, music box, an old
purse filled with objects for make-believe, or board games (for older children). Make sure your kit is age-appropriate.
Feeding
Parents should give you clear instructions on the types of meals and snacks which are acceptable, as well as things
that are forbidden. Be sure to ask if they don’t. Here are some general tips for mealtimes:
- Young children are messy eaters. Be prepared to clean up after them and don’t get mad about the mess.
- Allow plenty of time because young children generally play with their food while they eat.
- Make eating enjoyable and encourage children to eat but don’t force them.
- Avoid sweet snacks before mealtime.
- Sit down with the children while they (and you) eat.
Tips for feeding babies
Warm baby food or bottle by placing the container in a deep bowl filled with hot water. Stir food occasionally. Always test temperature by placing a few drops on the inside of your wrist. Hold the baby while you are giving a bottle. Be sure to find out from the parents the best way to burp a small baby. Note: avoid using microwave ovens for heating infant’s food. Microwaves heat food and liquids unevenly which can result in bites or swallows too hot for baby to handle.
Diapering
- Don’t be embarrassed to ask a parent about diapering.
- Gather all the things you need at the place you’re changing the baby - clean diaper, wipes or damp wash cloth, toilet paper, toys.
- Never leave a baby alone on a changing table. Change the baby on a blanket or a towel on the floor if possible - it’s the safest place to change a baby.
- Talk to the baby while diapering.
- Carefully clean the baby’s bottom and always dispose of the dirty diaper according to the parent’s directions.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly after each diaper change.
Naps and Bedtime
Soothing babies includes walking, rocking and singing. If you follow the parents’ instructions, everything should go
well. Here are some helpful hints:
- Change the diaper before putting an infant down for a nap or the night.
- Stick to the usual naptime or bedtime routine.
- Let the child know at least 15 minutes ahead of time that bedtime is approaching.
- Make a game of having children put their toys to bed.
- Tell a story about a child "just like you" who got ready for bed and went to sleep.
- Offer to tell a favorite story when in bed.
- With some children, a firm but understanding approach is needed. This might even mean carrying them off to bed in a gentle way.
- Children who are potty-trained should be asked to go to the bathroom before going to bed.
- Once children are asleep, check in on them for general comfort every 30-45 minutes.
Common Problems and How to Solve Them
Saying Good-bye
If children are awake when you arrive, it’s important that they say good-bye to their parents. Even though children may
be sad to see the parents leave, it’s best for parents not to "sneak" out. Your understanding and reassurance are very
important at this time.
Temper Tantrums
There is not much you can do to stop a tantrum, so don’t get angry when one occurs. Generally they don’t last too long.
Wait it out but stay close. When the child calms down try to divert his/her attention to a new activity.
Bickering and Fighting
When caring for more than one child, fighting and bickering are bound to occur. It might be too difficult to figure out what the fight is about or how it can be settled fairly. Try introducing a new game, offering additional toys or reading a favorite story. Sometimes separating the children into different rooms for a short time clears the air.
Bad Language and Sassy Behavior
Don’t take bad language personally. If you don’t like the language the children are using, tell them but don’t over-react.
Many times children like to tease or threaten a sitter. If the behavior doesn’t improve or gets worse after you ask the
children to stop, let them know that you will report what happened to the parents and then follow through when the parents
come home.
Safety and First Aid
The safety of the children is your primary responsibility. You must always anticipate unsafe situations such as stairways, unsafe toys, or poisons. Never leave children alone. If an accident happens and you are unsure how to handle it, call another adult (nearby neighbor, family friend) or 911. Call Poison Control if a child drinks or eats a possibly poisonous substance. Here are some simple first aid measures:
Minor Cuts: Stop bleeding by direct pressure with a clean cloth. Clean wound with soap and water and apply bandage.
Bumps: Apply cold rag or ice pack.
Minor Burns: Rinse body part in cold tap water. Never apply ice to a burn.
Poisoning: Call Poison Control immediately, 1-800-876-4766, and save poison container. If the child is unresponsive or not breathing, call 911 instead.
Choking: If the child can talk, cough, or cry, encourage coughing to dislodge the obstruction. If the child is unable to cough, call 911 and give abdominal thrusts: kneel or stand behind child and reach around abdomen; make a fist with one hand and grasp it with the other (thumb side into abdomen); thrust inward and upward into the abdomen with quick jerks, continuing until the child expels the object. If the child cannot breathe or is unresponsive, call 911 and start CPR if you know how. Always tell the parents about any accident, however minor, which occurs while you are caring for a child. They will appreciate your honesty.
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*Guide for Teen Babysitters Copyright © BANANAS, Inc. This article reprinted thanks to BANANAS, Inc., Oakland, CA. No further reprinting is permissible without contacting BANANAS. Reprinted with permission.
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