Don't Sit on the Baby & Other Babysitting Tips for Tweens

Babysitting is often one of the first jobs teens or preteens will have. Whether it is caring for younger siblings, neighborhood children, friends or acquaintances it is important for them to be prepared before taking on such a big responsibility. Depending on the individual, and the ages and needs of the child(ren) to be cared for, kids may be ready to begin babysitting from about the age of eleven.

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It is also important for parents to help prepare their teens and preteens to become dependable, trustworthy, and cautious caregivers. So here are some helpful tips:

• Babysitters should only take jobs they know they can handle. If you're not comfortable looking after newborns or kids with special needs, don't take that job. Wait for the next opportunity to come along.

• Parents of babysitters should know where they will be, how you can contact them, what time they will be home and plan how they'll get to and from jobs safely.

• If they don’t have their own cell phone, they should learn where the phones in the house are and have the numbers posted for emergencies. Be sure to know the family’s name and address. Know where to get help from a trusted neighbor or adult family member. Babysitters can always call their own parents if they have any questions.

• Make sure all doors and windows are locked. Never unlock the door to strangers.Do not give out information over the phone.

• Ask the parents about any food allergies, rules for snacks and meals, bedtime, playing outside, etc. Check with parents to find out what the rules are, then follow them. Not only will this help keep things consistent for the kids, you'll gain their respect and trust.

• Make sure you know where the children are and what they are doing at all times. Always stay with young children. Your first priority in babysitting is to keep kids safe. Being a good babysitter means knowing how to handle different types of real emergencies.

• Babysitters make their job easier when they know how to keep children busy and entertained and parents love babysitters who help kids have fun and learn - but still reinforce the rules. Ask kids about their favorite toys. Carry a suitcase or a plastic tub with safe toys, games to play, crayons and coloring books, puzzles, and books to read to the children. Be prepared with some simple surprises, fun ideas and interesting crafts. The kids will love it and will stay close and be easier to keep out of trouble. Try some outdoor games that may be new to the children or maybe a scavenger hunt, hide and seek or tag. 

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Upcoming babysitter courses in the Quinte area:

Babysitter Course (Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre)

This course is designed for students 11-13 yrs who would like to become more confident in areas of emergency procedures, fire and first aid safety and care of infants and toddlers and how to keep children busy. Students will receive a manual and upon successful completion a wallet card and certificate. Students are asked to bring with them, a pen, lunch, beverages and a doll or teddy bear for diapering.

11-13 years

January 21 9:00am -5:00pm Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre

February 18 9:00am -5:00pm Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre

March 13 9:00am -5:00pm Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre

March 15 9:00am -5:00pm Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre

Cost: $45

Babysitter Course (YMCA)

The Canadian Red Cross Babysitter’s Course is designed for youth 11 years and up who want to become a babysitter or may already be one. The Babysitter Course covers responsibilities of a babysitter, safety tips for children of all ages, basic childcare skills and what to do in case of an emergency.

11 years & up

Next course March 3 9:00am – 5:00pm Belleville YMCA

Cost: YMCA members $40 Non-members $50