Babysitting Interview Help!! Tips please!?

Question

I am 15.5 years old and I am going to meet with a parent and maybe the kids today. This is my first time meeting with someone I don't know and their kids. The kids are 4 and 3 years old. Is this age to young for me to be their playmate/baby sitter?? Any tips or hints with the interview :)

Answer 1

Lil,

Absolutely get over the idea that you are some sort of playmate for children who are left in your care and under your protection.  This doesn't mean that you can't have fun and play together, but you are taking on the responsibility of two small ones!

If you are not ready for the role of caretaker, then don't take care of other people's children.

If you are ready to play with, read to, and do the everyday parenting of small children...go for it!

When you interview, you need to ask as many questions about their practices with their children as they ask.  Examples:

What snacks and when?

Naps?  What time is good for them?

What can we do outside the home and where?

TV time limit?  Reading time instead?  Creative time?

If you want to babysit, you need to know what the parents want in terms of caretaking...but you also need to be adult enough to be a caretaker, not a buddy, to these two small children.  

If you get this babysitting job, you need patience, patience, and a bit more patience.

For the interview, let the parents ask you their pertinent questions and answer them honestly.  That's the best you can give them, and either they will hire you or not.

I'd suggest that you print out this question and answer and take it with you to the interview.  You have shown that you care about taking on this job, and I've had child care for four children.  If you are serious about doing child care, I'd say I'd give you a shot.  On your side, however, it needs to be a commitment to the children.

Answer 2

I've gotten a couple of babysitting jobs (I'm 14), and my best advice is to be natural. Don't try to put on too much of a show for the parents, and interact with the kids the first time you see them. If you can really make a connection with the kids, the parents will think you are serious. Oh, and smile. A lot. It shows your personality!

Answer 3

Be yourself.

Play with the kids (don't ignore them.)

If you have a cell phone- have the Poison control number IN the phone, speed dial preferred.  If no phone... know the number!

Be aware she may ask "what if" questions.

Take a coloring book and crayons over for the kids during the interview.  - this shows you planned ahead.

Don't forget to ask about allergies and likes/dislikes (asking puts points in your book, that you care about the kids.)

You'll be fine! Good luck!

Answer 4

Make a list of activities/crafts that you would do with the children. Dress decently...i.e. no holes in clothes, clean clothes, no cleavage, etc. Don't talk to the kids with "baby" talk and learn their names by the end of the interview. Good luck.

Answer 5

The children's age as a problem depends on how much baby sitting experience you have had with that age group. It also depends a lot on how well behaved they are.

Be honest in the interview. Just answer the questions that are asked. Don't talk on and on or change the subject. It is easy to talk too much when you are nervous.

Answer 6

Dress in some nice clothes, I dont mean a dress.

Pay attention to the kids, bend down to their level.

Ask questions.

Good luck!