So Just How do You Get Asked Back Again and Again?

The parents are happy to leave their children with you, knowing from experience that they are in good hands. This enables them to have a relaxed and enjoyable evening away from the home.

The children are happy because they now know you and hopefully feel safe and well cared for. This allows them to relax more which generally leads to better behavior.
You’re happy because the children are easier to deal with and the parents trust and like you. You will know the routine better and let’s face it, it’s regular money!

So just how do you get asked back again and again?

The perfect babysitter …

… doesn’t exist. But you can make an effort to be professional, respectful and display good behavior and trustworthiness. Much of it is common sense. Try and put yourself into the parents’ place and imagine what you would want from a babysitter – or how you would wish a stranger to behave in your home.

Make sure that you observe the basics.

Always be punctual and well dressed for the job. Dangly earrings that kids could swing on and tiny mini skirts that could offend should be left at home. Clean, well pressed jeans and a sweater are ideal. You may well be crawling around the floor with the children or have to make a sudden dash up the stairs. Keep your nails short and clean and don’t forget to leave your shoes at the door.

Be respectful in the home. Leave it as you found it. If the parents tell you to get yourself a snack, make sure that everything is washed and put away and the kitchen is tidy and clean.

After the kids have gone to bed, take a few moments to tidy away toys, DVD’s, coloring books etc. Plump up cushions and straighten up the place.

If any spills occur accidentally, wipe them up immediately. If there are any accidental breakages, report them to the parents on their return.

Make sure you have the parents’ contact numbers and an expected time for them to arrive home.

If a child in your care gets sick or has an accident, you must inform the parents immediately. No one will blame you for the sickness or accident (however careful you are, accidents can occasionally happen) but they will blame you for not letting them know about it.

Don’t forget that you are there to do a job. Even when the children have gone to bed and your time is your own, keep the TV or music down low. You need to be able to hear if the children are calling for you or are distressed. Check on them frequently to make sure that they are safe and sleeping peacefully.

When the parents return, you can mention any funny or endearing incidents that occurred and just reassure them that everything was fine. If it wasn’t fine, keep the information short, factual and non-judgmental.

Don’t forget to be courteous and ask the parents if they enjoyed their evening and always thank them for letting you babysit, when you leave. Make sure they’ve got your phone number and let them know if you’re happy to babysit for them again in the future. If this seems likely to happen, give them some idea of your availability (including any dates that you can’t do) so that they can plan ahead.

One last word of caution - if you do become a regular babysitter for one family never let your good standards and respectful attitude drop. Always remember that you are being employed by this family – however friendly the relationship becomes.

Keeping your high standards will ensure you continuing employment and good recommendations to others.

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