Tips For First Time Babysitters

Are you new to babysitting? Are you a little nervous about your first-time babysitting?

Whether you’re new to the babysitting world or just new to a family, use these tips to make your experience successful and much easier!

I’ve been a babysitter 20 years. Having watched children who were related to me and those who were not, there are certain universal guidelines for a successful babysitting experience.

When first becoming a babysitter, clear and proper communication is crucial. You must determine what’s to be expected of you, what’s to be expected from the kids, and what’s to be expected from the parents. The responsibility doesn’t fall on any one person’s shoulders. It’s a teamwork effort.

Before you look for a babysitting job or go on your first visit, make a mental note of these important tips!

1.) Ask the parents for their ground rules.

Don’t leave it up to the kids to tell you what’s expected of them. Parents will most likely have guidelines laid out for you to follow. If they don’t, make sure you ask for them. Depending on the day and time you’re babysitting, you need the following:

• How many hours do they need you for?
• What do they have planned for a meal or snack?
• Are there any food allergies you need to be aware of?
• Any foods that are off-limits completely? i.e. no food or drinks before bed?
• Are there school projects or homework that needs to be completed?
• When is bedtime?
• What’s their bedtime routine?
• Are they allowed to watch TV or a movie? How much time?
• What’s off limits in the house? A specific room? Pool? Trampoline?
• If there are minor cuts or injuries, where’s the medical kit?

2.) Ask about what MUST be done

Some parents want chores to be taken care of before any fun activities. Ask what’s to be expected of you. Are you to help them or just supervise that it gets done?

• Do they have clothes to put away?
• Toys to clean up?
• Homework to complete?

Be proactive with homework. Parents will most likely go over the homework and projects, but it’s always a good idea to check it with the child while you’re there.

3.) Establish your own rules

At some point, you’ll likely hear “But my Mom lets me.”

That may or may not be true. Hard truth: kids lie.

They also like to get their way, so even if it is true, it doesn’t mean that you have to be comfortable with letting them do it while they’re in your care. You’re not their parent, so your level of caution should be higher. Parents need to know their children are safe with you, so use your best judgment.

It’s best to talk about any of these occurrences with their parents after they get home. If the kids are trying to outsmart you, the parents should be aware so they can have a talk with them before you come over next time.

4.) Enforce the rules.

You’re most likely watching the kids at their house, so they’ll be comfortable in their space. However, comfort can sometimes mean they’re too comfortable and don’t want to listen. The more time they spend with you, the more comfortable they’ll get which means at some point they won’t listen.

It’s completely normal for children to be defiant at one point or another while you’re babysitting. They don’t want to eat what Mom left for dinner, they don’t want to do their homework, they don’t want to go to bed, etc. However, it’s important that you meet the expectations of their parents because they’re the boss, not the kids.

So what are your rules? It’s important to be stern but fair. I never take away rewards or privileges without warning. I resort to the 3 strikes and you’re out rule.

Some things to never tolerate are:

• Talking back or becoming sassy
• Fighting, hitting, kicking, spitting, etc., especially with their siblings.
• Anything that’s dangerous. Playing with fire, sharp objects, climbing to high places (other than bunk beds).
• Disrespecting their house such as writing on the walls, couches, etc.
• And no throwing balls other than in designated play areas.

Depending on the offense, I may take away part of their privileges. For example, if they’re only allowed an hour for tv or screen time, take 10 minutes away as their first punishment. If it continues, take away another 5 and so on. The crime and frequency determine the punishment.

5.) Use Positive Reinforcement

Contrarily, if they’re really good, reward them (within reason and with parental consent). I usually watched kids after school, so if they were having a really good day, such as doing their homework without fighting with me or their siblings, I’d reward them for good behavior.

My go-to treats were a piece of chocolate, an extra 10 minutes of TV before dinner, let them play a game on my phone, or play with Snapchat, etc. It’s a good idea to let them pick the treat so they can set their minds on what they’d like to work toward achieving for the day. If they misbehave, their treat is the frist thing to go.

I don’t give them rewards all the time. After all, they should behave just because it’s the right thing to do. Instead of giving something tangible, I’d simply say “Thank you for being so good today. I had a great time with you.”

6.) Wear Comfortable Yet Presentable Clothing

If you’re going to be a great babysitter, that means that you’re going to play with the kids, not just watch them. The kids will have a better time with you and the parents will most likely ask you back if the kids enjoy having you around.

You’ll want to wear your “play clothes” but nothing that’s ratty with holes or stains on them. Seems like common sense, but you’d be surprised at what I’ve seen people wearing to babysit. It’s still a job, so you’ll need to look presentable.

7.) Be open to feedback from kids and parents

No one does everything perfectly, especially their first time around. If the kids or parents aren’t happy with the way you go about doing something, listen to their feedback.

With kids, listen to their likes and dislikes with entertainment. As long as it’s nothing too extreme, they’ll have to learn to live with the rules you’ve put in place.

For parents, they may make adjustments in games or rewards that you’ve implemented. Respect their wishes and make adjustments accordingly. Ultimately they have the final say with the kids.

8.) Have time limits

No one does anything perfectly, right? That includes parents. Before you say yes to babysitting their children, know the amount of time that they’ll need you for.

They have to respect that you have a life too, so if you need to or want to schedule something around babysitting their kids, you’re entitled! That means that you need set hours, not roundabouts.

While on the phone or texting ask what time they’ll need you for and until. If they say from 3:30 to about 6:30, reply with something like “Okay no problem, I’m available to watch the kids from 3:30-6:30.” If you have plans for 7:00 make sure they know that beforehand so they’ll stick to the 6:30 deadline.

If they go over your set hours, address it immediately. I’m not suggesting that they won’t pay you for your time, but boundaries and expectations have to be set from the beginning. Just because they’re paying you doesn’t mean that they can come and go as they please. Trust me, I’ve been there.

9.) Track your hours

Don’t leave it up to the parents to keep track of your time for you. Know your hourly rate and the amount of time you’ve spent with them daily and weekly.

When you get paid at the end of the night or week (depending on what type of babysitter you are), you should have a set dollar amount in your head. People make honest mistakes, so keep track of your time.

10.) Have a plan for games and activities

Kids will have games to play with in their house, but it can be fun to have different ones in your head or to bring with you. Check out these 20 Fun Games to play with kids while babysitting!

They might also enjoy a coloring!

11.) Check in the parents

If you’re their new babysitter, be proactive about checking in with the parents especially if it’s your first day at taking them off the bus or picking them up from school.

Let them know they’ve arrived safely at home and starting their snack, homework, etc. It’ll show them that you’re responsible and put their mind at ease.

If it’s a nighttime babysitting job they’ll probably be the first to check in with you. Have your phone nearby while tending to the kids so that they’re not waiting too long for a reply. They’ll probably be a little nervous because you’re new.

12.) Bring something to do for downtime

At some point during your stay, you’ll be left to your own devices. The kids might be asleep, reading, or watching TV. Whatever it is, you’ll want to keep yourself occupied during this time.

You may or may not want to watch the movie or TV show with them. You can still keep them company without having your eyes glued to the screen. Read a book or have a quiet activity for you to do while they’re occupied elsewhere.

I hope that you’ve enjoyed my tips on babysitting! If you have any questions, let me know if the comments below! And make sure you get your FREE coloring book to take with you on your next babysitting job!!

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