Our Babysitting Methods

Preparation Before Accepting/Starting

• Take a babysitting or safety class if possible (American Red Cross offers ones starting at age 11; Safe Sitter or similar programs teach age-appropriate skills).
• Learn basic first aid and know how to call 911 (practice dialing emergency numbers).
• Do a walkthrough with the parents: Know the house layout, exits, where the first aid kit is, any hazards (stairs, pools, stoves, medications, cleaning supplies), and childproofing needs.
• Get a detailed list in writing or your phone:
  • Parents’ cell numbers + backup adult contact
  • Doctor’s number
  • Neighbors who can help
  • Home address (for telling 911)
  • Any allergies, medical conditions, or special needs (e.g., asthma inhaler location)
• Discuss house rules clearly: Bedtimes, screen time, snacks, who can come over, no opening the door to strangers, etc.

During the Job – Core Safety Rules

• Never leave the child/children alone — even for a minute (stay in the same room or very close by).
• Keep kids in sight or within hearing at all times; no wandering off to another room unsupervised.
• Do not open the door to anyone you don’t know (or even known people unless parents said it’s OK).
• No cooking on the stove/oven unless parents explicitly allow it and you’ve done it before (stick to simple, no-cook snacks).
• No giving medicine unless parents gave exact instructions (dose, time, how).
• No strangers invited over, and no posting on social media about babysitting (location, photos of kids, etc.).
• Stay calm — if something happens (injury, tantrum, power outage), take a breath, assess, and call for help if needed.
• Lock doors/windows; know how to use locks/alarms if present.
• Supervise outdoor play closely (helmets for bikes, no going near streets without permission).
• Follow the routine parents set (meals, homework, bedtime) to keep things predictable and calm.

Handling Common Situations

• If a child gets hurt: Clean small cuts/scrapes, apply bandage, comfort them, and call parents (or 911 if serious — bleeding won’t stop, head injury, etc.).
• Behavior issues: Use calm redirection, positive reminders of rules; don’t yell or punish harshly.
• Emergency: Call 911 first if it’s serious (fire, choking, unconscious, major injury), then parents.
• Phone check-ins: Parents may want updates — answer calls/texts promptly.

Stay safe, be prepared, and know your limits!