If you must do something special for the child, let the parents show you how. You should request that they jot it down or give you information to read about it. Skills you might need to know consist of dealing with seizures, sign language, attaching a leg brace or checking to see a hearing aid is functioning. Keep practicing until you are certain you can do it the right way.

As you play with the child at that time, try not to consider him a handicap child. Children with disabilities are still children. They have normal feelings and normal needs. They desire to be liked by you, want you to believe they are special, have talent, and want you to treat them the same as normal people. Their disability doesn’t mean as much as being a person. Don’t mention their disabilities continuously. You don’t have to make an effort not to bring it up, however, you should have a normal conversation most of the time.

Don’t do tasks for the child that he should be doing on his own. Don’t let him be spoiled because you have sympathy for him. As a matter of fact, don’t feel sympathy for him. It’s best for him to do things on his own and to have confidence in himself. The more tasks he can do on his own, the more he will be able to be independent when he is grown.

Look at him as he is playing to notice what he is able to do and the type of personality he has. This will help you think of ways to have fun as you are babysitting. When making your plans, consider what he is able to do and can’t do, as well as what he enjoys doing.

Do some reading about the disability, as well, so you will learn as much as you can. If you know how to babysit children with special needs, there will be many opportunities to work as a babysitter.