BabysittingTips

Here are some guidelines to help you be a first-rate baby-sitter:

-Baby-sit only for people you know or who have been referred by a friend. Answering newspaper ads is not as

safe as agreeing to sit for a friend of the family.

-When someone asks you to baby-sit, find out what time the parents expect to be back and tell them

how much you charge and whether you have a curfew. Discuss how you'll get there and back safely.

-Leave the name, address and phone number of where you'll be sitting with your parents or a trusted friend.

Tell them what time your employer expects to be home.

On the job:

-Before the parents leave, have them write down the name, address and phone number of where they will be.

You should also have the number of the poison control center, a neighbor or relative and the family doctor.

-Have the address of where you are next to the phone.

-Be sure to know the locations of all phones in the house in case of emergency, and ask how to

use the alarm system if they have one.

-Know how to work the window and door locks. Use them and make sure the outside light is on.

-Ask about smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.

-Ask about the children's bedtimes, favorite toys and stories and what they eat. Find out about food alergies

and medications and what you are allowed to eat and drink.

-Be sure to clean up after the children and after yourself. Wash all dishes, cups and utensils that you use and put away toys.

-Get permission and instructions on using the VCR, stereo and other appliances.

-Don't tie up the phone talking with friends, your employers may want to check in or call about a change of plans.

-A friend should not come over to keep you company unless your employer agrees in advance that it is okay.

In an emergency:

-If you suspect a fire, get the children and yourself out. Go to a neighbor to call the fire department. Then call your employer.

-Stay calm. Children probably won't panic if you don't

When the job's done:

-Tell your employer if anything unusual happened - a strange phone call, noises, a stranger at the door....

-Call your parents to let them know if your employer is going to be coming home late.

-Be sure you are escarted home. If your employer cannot walk or drive you home or if he or she seems intoxicated,

ask someone from your family to come and get you. Never go home alone at night from a babysitting job.

-If your employers are unreliable - always late, often intoxicated, etc. - don't sit for them anymore.

Tips for daytime baby-sitters:

-If you have children in the backyard, make sure the front door is locked, and vice versa.

-If you take the children for a walk or to the park, lock all doors and windows before you leave. Be sure to take the keys and

some change with you.

-Never take the children to a deserted park or out alone after dark. Be wary of friendly strangers. If you feel uncomfortable, trust

your instincts - take the children and leave.

--If anything seems unusual when you return home - like a broken window, a ripped screen, a door ajar - don't go in.

Go to a neighbor's house or public phone and call the police. You don't need money to dial 911 or the operator

from a pay phone.