There aren’t enough job options when you’re in high school or middle school. Jobs with the most attractive compensation packages require a college degree, skills set and/or experience.
Babysitting is one of the few jobs where teens and pre-teens can earn a few extra bucks. You would not believe it but many CEOs and high level executives have babysitting as their very first real job. If you are too excited about the prospect of finally making your own money, hold on a minute.
Do you know what babysitting is all about? Babysitting may seem all too simple but actually it entails a lot of responsibilities. Caring for children, especially babies and the very young, is a hands-on job that requires focus and constant supervision. Remember, you are caring for someone else’s kids and there’s a lot expected from you.
Before you look for a babysitting job, you first need to know if you are up for this job. You also have to what this job entails and how to handle emergencies should they arise.
Be ready to babysit
Most states do not set any certain age to be allowed to babysit. When to start babysitting actually depends on your readiness – and your parents. Usually children as young as 11 can properly babysit young children but you may also want to wait until you are 15 or 16. Some kids in the middles school may be ready and willing to start, but their parents won’t allow them to.
The right time to babysit does not really depend on your age as long as you are mature enough to care for young children and can make decisions regarding the safety of the child you are caring for. Babysitting requires making constant, often serious decisions. Making bad decisions about the safety of the child can lead to problems or get the child into real trouble. For example, leaving very young children unsupervised may cause injuries or harm to them. Always remember that it only takes a few seconds for a toddler or baby to fall down the stairs, get drowned in the tub, get burned by the electric heater, and other sustain other serious injuries.
Personal safety
Aside from the safety of the child you are caring for, you should also consider your personal safety. You should feel comfortable and safe working for the family. You should also think what to do in case a stranger shows up at the front door and how you can get home afterward.
If you are seriously considering taking on a babysitting job, you should ask yourself these three questions:
- Do I like kids?
- Do understand kids?
- Am I patient enough to care for kids?
If you answered ‘yes’ to all these questions, then you have got all the traits needed to be an effective babysitter. Attending the workplace approved babysitting first aid course (register here) can help prepare you for your very first job.
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