Babysitting 4 year-old?

Question

Tomorrow I will be babysitting a 4-year-old boy from 5:00pm - 10:00pm. I just was told today and I don't know him yet.

When should I go over to the house to meet the parents and the boy? What should I bring with me babysitting (toys, movies, etc.)? This is my first time babysitting at someone elses house. How much should I charge per hour?

Answer 1

I would go by today if possible.  If not go by and say hi tomorrow morning if thats okay with parents.  I would ask for $20 for the time you will be there.  Let them know that when you drop by.  The child should have things for you all to do.  But if you want go by the dollar store and pick up a coloring book and crayons.  Any preschool movie would be great.  Ask the mom if she would like you to go by and rent a movie at her expense.  Dont be all quiet and stuff.  Be energetic in front of the child.  You could even go outdoors for  a walk or just play outside.

Answer 2

It depends on what the parents are willing to pay...I charge $5-6 an hour at some houses because I took the red cross babysitters training course...if the kid is going to be sleeping I charge $3-4...Then again, the people I babysit for make good money so it's hard to say. I would recommend going over to the house at 4:45pm. You probably don't need to bring toys. Just make sure you get enough sleep tonight because 4 year olds sure do have energy! Overall, $20-$30 is a great price.

Answer 3

You should probably go over to their house about 10 to 15 minutes before you're expected, to get to know him a little while the parents are home, and also to get the emergency information (phone numbers, neighbors to contact, etc...).  You shouldn't go any earlier than 20 minutes before expected, though.

     You should bring a few coloring books and crayons, maybe a couple of play cars or trucks (if you have any), or you could go to the Dollar Store and get one or two cheap little things that could keep him busy.  You might want to wait a little bit before showing him the toys, though.  Before you give him the stuff, get to know him and introduce yourself.  You could also use the toys as a little reward.  For example, if you give him dinner and you ask him to help clean up, give him one of the toys you brought when he helps you.  It will be fun and interesting to him, since he's never had the toy before.

     Movies would be good to bring.  Disney is always good and very kid-friendly.  You could also bring one of those sing-alongs and sing along with him.  Movies are also good for bedtime.

     The amount to charge can vary by a lot.  If you can, ask some babysitters in your area what they charge.  Ask your parents what you think would be a good amount.  I just wouldn't suggest going there without knowing what to charge, because it might look unprofessional.  I would go with somewhere between $4 and $7 per hour.

Good luck and have fun!!

Answer 4

I would go about half-hour before the parents leave to meet the child and let them get use to you.  The parents can also show you around the house.  You don't really need to take anything with you, maybe some bubbles to give him a little gift.  He will have everything he needs there.  $4-5 sounds good for one child.

Answer 5

I would even go over earlier - say 4:30 just to familiarize yourself with the house, what he can and cannot eat (allergies?), what time his bed time is, what time will he eat, does he get dessert, will he need a bath, are neighbors allowed over, where are the phone numbers, etc.  Our 4 year old goes to bed around 8:00, so really between dinner, possible bath, doing a couple puzzles and maybe watching a movie, you should be good.  (Our library has great movies that you can check out for a week at a time - you may want to do that.  Of course clear any selection with the parents.)

Answer 6

If not knowing the child I personally would visit the parents, and child, introduce yourself,give refences if they ask for them, sit down and talk to the parents, tell what you have been charging for other baby-sitting jobs you've had,ask what they think about whatever you have been charging? Then, after I talked to the parents, I would ask if I could speak to the young man(in their presence),ask him what he's like to do this evening ? What kind of movies does he like? That way the parents would I think respect you more for being truthful & wanting to learn about them(and what they think),and how you are learning (IN FRONT OF THEM) about their son.Just be sincere & truthful, honest with them, everything will be fine,also of you know to ask about the child's bedtime, some kids' bedtimes' are different. Good Luck!Just have fun, with this 4-yr. old, if he likes you, you've won, the battle(so da0speak), but I'm sure you're a great baby-sitter!

Answer 7

$30  bring movies and toy i am sure he got and go there tomm and meet him  bed time  ( 9pm is a good time )   bring things for u to do when he sleeping   play with he's toys with him  relax it will be fun i hope

Answer 8

You should already have a set rate that you charge.  You should ask around your area and find out what other babysitters charge.  I'm sure the child has toys at his own home, you don't have to take any over.  You can however find out from the parents what videos/dvds he has and maybe take over one he doesn't have but first find out from the parents if he is allowed that much television time.  I would go over sometime during the day to introduce yourself to the parents and find out what their rules are concerning television, bedtime routine as well as bed time, and to get to know the boy as well.

Answer 9

i baby-sit a four your old 3 times a week for ten hours each day

i charge $20 a day and when i baby-sit him at night $5 an hour.

the first time i baby-sat at night it was for two 10 year olds and i was so scared but it worked out just fine. come about ten minutes early so that if the parents have to tell you somthing they wont forget because they are to busy thinking about being late.

when you get there ask if he has any medical things that you should know about, hes bed time, if you have to cook for him then what does he like, and how he usually falls asleep(being read to or watching a movie). you don't have to bring any toys because he will have his own toys. but mabey you could bring a couple books or mabey a favorite movie of yours (kid approprite of course). so play when you get there for a while then when it starts getting dark get him fed and ready for bed and lie down and either read or watch a movie of his choice.

hope that helped :)