Babysitting Question... Mothers Please Answer!?

Question

OK, Im a 14 year old girl and I've been babysitting a lot recently. I told this girl in my class and she said "Oh, parents don't hire people to babysit unless they have ..." And then she listed, like, 80 things that a babysitter MUST have. So my question is: what do parents look for in a babysitter? I usually babysit during the nights for about 3-6 hours, not very fancy stuff. I don't have a liscence to babysit or anything, but I can perform CPR as I was a junior lifeguard/counselor this year at my country club. I haven't taken like a First Aid class, though. Please tell me what you look for in a babysitter. Thanks so much!

And please, only mothers answer. I really don't want an answer from a person who doesn't even have kids, nor from a girl who babysitts as well. PLEASE JUST MOTHERS!!!

Thanks again!

Answer 1

I need to know that the person watching my children is responsible, at 14 I'd want to know your parents, at least a little. I'd need to know what other kids you watch, their ages if any, just so I'd get an idea of what your used to. I don't have first aid and I have 3 kids. Basically I need to know that your not going to leave the stove on and talk to your boyfriend on the phone/computer while my kids are tearing the blinds down and trying to give the kitty a bath in the toilet.  

Answer 2

• Be in good health: your overall health is important. If you have a cold or other contagious disease, do not accept a babysitting job.

• Be dependable & responsible: dependability is a must. Notify parents immediately if you will not be able to take a job so they can find another qualified person in time. You are responsible for the child's health and safety.

• Love children: the best babysitters usually understand and love children. Children tend to know whether you like them or not.

• Be self-confident: children judge you as much by the way you look and act as by the words you say. Be sure of yourself.

• Be mature: you need to be levelheaded and act calmly in an emergency. You have to maintain authority and discipline.

• Show good manners: be pleasant, and act in a courteous manner. This includes respect for the privacy of families by not going through closets and personal possessions.

• Be knowledgeable about children: you need a basic understanding of the stages of child development. You must also know the basic techniques of feeding, dressing, diapering, bathing, and playing with younger and older children. (WorkLife Resources can provide information.)

• Have a business-like attitude: make sure you agree on the business aspects of the job before babysitting with a new family for the first time. Get the necessary information from the parents before they leave.

• Be adaptable: accept the differences between households. It's your responsibility to fit in with the family's usual pattern or routines — not the other way around. If you feel uncomfortable with the family's lifestyle, you may need to refuse to accept the opportunity to work for them.

• Be safety conscious: protect the children from harm and be alert at all times.

• You will be in demand: great babysitters are known by many parents. Usually they are busy with repeated jobs for the same families.

Answer 3

As the biological mother of two and step-mother of two more, it sounds like you're pretty well qualified for a 14-year-old. The biggest criteria parents look for in a babysitter is maturity, reliability, trust and the ability to get along well with their children. It also helps if there is already a relationship there.

For example, you could probably find plenty of babysitting gigs just by talking to the friends of your parents. If you are a sitter that makes sure she cleans up after herself, even better!

Kids can be very vocal, and aren't afraid to tell their parents everything that happened while they were gone. One false move and you will know it simply by the lack of additional work. On the other hand, if parents continue to call, they must be happy with the way you perform your job.

Just remember, children are the most valuable assets parents have and they are very protective. Treat the children as if they were your younger brothers or sisters, or perhaps even nicer, and all should be fine. Goofy fun goes a long way with kids also! Good luck.  

Answer 4

I use 2 different babysitters.  

One is for occasional evening babysitting whilst my husband and I go out.  Sometimes the children will already be in bed but it depends what time it is.  This babysitter needs to be sensible; good with children; know what to do in an emergency (who to contact etc).  Ours hold a First Aid certificate, but I would be happy with them answering my questions about "what would you do if this happened?".  

The other is for collecting the children when I have to work late, giving them dinner, putting them to bed etc.  This person also looks after them during the day in the school holidays sometimes.  This babysitter needs a lot more of the things other people have listed because they are responsible for the children for longer periods of time both in and out of the home.

Answer 5

Driving is a huge must-have.  Not just for convenience, but for emergencies: carpool driver out sick, kid needs to be picked up early for illness, etc.  

Honestly, it's also a maturity thing as well.  I wouldn't hire anyone in high school, but that's just my preference.  The most trustworthy and responsible 14 yr old just doesn't have the same maturity level as an equally trustworthy 20 yr old.  

I would probably be ok with a 14 yr old once the kids are in bed.

Answer 6

Don't listen to the idiot who said the daddy part..they dunno what they are talkin about.  I look for someone who is mature, and pays attention to the kids. I want a responsible person to watch my kids. Having first aide is a plus..but if they are watched well enough there should be no need for it..and having CPR is a BIG plus. You never know when you may need it. Plus at night the kids SOULD be in bed. I guess I would just want someone who has their head on straight and knows what to, when to do it and how.

Answer 7

Parents are looking for a babysitter that seems responsible and acts more like an adult and gets along with the children.  It's great that you know CPR.  By responsible, I mean that you are able to make sure that the children are in bed by their bedtime, that they don't get snacks after a certain time, that you can follow the instructions given to you by the parents.  If you have cared for children before, the parents might ask the name of the person, so they can see how they thought you worked out.  Some don'ts are - don't have friends over when you are babysitting and don't be on the phone all the time.

Answer 8

I look for maturity, nurturing personality, and a willingness to do things my way.  I want a sitter who has alot of experience around young children - because some people don't understand how quickly a young child can get hurt or injured if not properly watched over.   I would only hire a sitter who I know or who is highly recommended by someone I trust.

Answer 9

Personally, I like to know the parents of the babysitter (if they are under 17 or 18). I would probably only use a teenage babysitter if it was a neighbor that I knew fairly well or someone, like a good friend,  recommended her to me. I'd have to get a good vibe from the person and she'd have to understand and follow all the rules. Definitely don't want someone who will sit on the phone ALL night. I would appreciate it if they left the house the same as it was when they came-meaning pick up whatever mess you or the kids make while I'm gone including washing any dishes you use.  

Answer 10

I am sure people who hire you to babysit know you already, and they like who you are, what they see in you Etc. All you have to do is watch the kids closely. You are a great kid.  

Answer 11

I look for a girl that has a bubbly personality and loves to interact with kids and not crank the stereo up and talk on the phone. Kids are precious to a parents and need someone to watch them closely.  By interacting with the kids in front of the parents is a good sign. CPR is a plus. You can bring books that are age appropriate for those bedtime stories or games, which will impress the parents. Always smile.

Answer 12

someone that looks and acts responsible, Having a CPR/First Aid license helps. Taking a babysitting class also helps parents to have a bit more confidence in the person they are leaving their children with.  I like to be able to watch the babysitter interact with the kids a bit before I leave them with them, so maybe have them over one day for lunch to get to know them and see how they are with kids. Someone that is caring and actually like to interact and play with the kids.

good luck.

p.s. here's a site that might help you out.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2045446_prepare-...

Answer 13

I look for maturity, and someone who seems like they want to play with my child and have fun with him. I like it when they ask questions of me about my son's schedule - when he should be in bed, that kind of thing - because it tells me they want the child to have as normal an evening as possible in our absence.

When you babysit, your full attention should be on the child - no chatting on the phone or texting your friends, and never, ever invite a friend over to someone's house where you're babysitting. If I ever found out any of that was going on while someone was supposed to be babysitting my son, it would be the last time they babysat for us!  

Answer 14

you don't need cpr or first aid BUT its a plus. you will be able to get paid more because you have better qualifications. really you look for a responsible person who knows what to do in an emergency and CPR and first aid classes do show you what to do in an emergency. for example would you know what to do if the child swallowed something or if he fell from a far distance? first aid would help you with this. what if the child disappeared?