Archive for the ‘Babysitting Basics’ Category

You receive a call from a new client, but she tells you she has twin boys. Oh wow, you are thinking. Two children of different ages would actually be more difficult to handle. You believe they will want to be playmates, enjoy the same activities, as well as have the same friends, so it will be easy to babysit them. Unfortunately, this probably won’t be the situation. Some twins are very compatible, playing together with toys without fighting and being little angels. But they probably won’t be any better that another set of children you are a babysitter for. Here are some issues that you may deal with, and advice for handling them.

Fussing about toys. In some homes, this might not be any trouble, if their parents just purchase double everything. But actually if they do, there is probably one out of the two that both children will prefer. The color is different, a broken wheel on one of them, etc. Handle this the same way you would deal with any other children arguing about a toy. Don’t treat one twin better than the other, as this will cause problems with the mistreated child. Give a time limit, or encourage the one who had it first to share. “Suzie gets a turn for 15 minutes when your 15 minutes are up.” Probably, after both children take their turn, they will have decided to play with another toy.

Sibling Rivalry. The rivalry between siblings is undeniable. I think sibling rivalry is usually worse between twins when compared to siblings who are not the same age. Twins usually are compared to each other, and occasionally parents, teachers, friends, or actually even strangers label them. Jane might be considered the sociable and intelligent one, but Mary might be considered the pretty one who excels in sports. This will be a problem for the twins, and cause fights at different times. The best thing to do about fights or a child that is upset because they are thought to be “not as good as another child” is to have children take a seat and say something good about each other. Both of the children will then listen to the nice things about themselves, and will probably feel better, and after everything, then the fight will be over.

Twins Babies. Watching twin babies or toddlers is harder than anything. Specifically if neither one is a walker. If you don’t think you can do this, don’t pick up both babies at the same time. It will not hurt a baby forever if they are crying in their crib for 2 minutes while you pick up the other one and take him to the living room. Just be certain that both babies are safe in their cribs, playpens, seats, or anywhere else before you let them stay by themselves.

While babysitting for twins, these are just some of the things you need to know. Don’t be afraid to call for help if you need it, and ask the parents lots of questions before they leave. As usual, judge each situation as best as you can.

If you are a babysitme babysitter, you can register for free here and if you would like to write a blog post, and supply me with the url to your babysitter profile url at www.babysitme.co.nz your babysitter profile it will look something like

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How do I know how much to charge to babysit?

Several factors affect the answer to that question. The area in which you reside is a major factor. Pay could be from $15 to $19 per hour if you live in a ritzy area. For those who reside in a middle class neighborhood, $10 to $15 dollars an hour should cover it.

How many children you are babysitting should be considered.

Babysitting on nights like New Years Eve can be most lucrative. Years ago for the year 2000 New Years Eve, I babysat 5 children from 5 families, and was paid and was paid $150 per family.

Are you babysitting for 2 or more families?

Are you babysitting at your home or theirs?

Whose paying to get you home, or does the job involve you staying over and feeding children the next morning?

Your age is also something that has a bearing on how much you charge. Now that I am 18, I get paid more than I did when I was 13.

My best advice is check with your friends to find out what they charge per hour. This will give you a better feel for how much to charge.

Childminding Caring for Older Children 1

We’ve already looked at what not to do when caring for an older child, so now we’ll look at …
What you need to do:

Open your ears. Let the child talk about their day if they want to. Do not look bored, and never interrupt the child when they tell you a story. If it is asked for, offer advice, and also ask a question or two. Begging or venting might be just what she needs to do. This will assist with relationship building for the child, the main thing to being a friend as well as a babysitter.

The child will notice if you take an interest in them. He or she should know that you really like spending time with them. Have some fun by playing games. Don’t be afraid to laugh and get into what you are doing, play what she wants to play, and just have fun. If you are enjoying yourself and giggling, then most likely the child will be joyful too. You are not boss just because you are having fun together. They will understand that you will play and do fun things if they listen to you, if you get your point across in the appropriate way.

The best you can do for the child is to talk with them. Whatever their interests are, build on them by talking about sports, movies, school, animals, etc. Think of some funny stories you have and then share them with the child. Let the child get to know you, and also really get to know the child. If it comes up, compare the length of socks you like to wear, your favorite colors, hairstyles and foods. (When speaking with children, you don’t know what the subject will end up being.)  You will be a better babysitter if you get to know them better. And if they know you better, they will feel comfortable in your presence. When talking to the children, just use your judgment. Complete details about the previous night’s love session with your boyfriend is inappropriate.

The children you babysit should be your friends; you shouldn’t be afraid of this. For the long haul, this friendship will cause your job to be more easy. When you are friends, they become less likely to argue with you over bedtimes and such. You are not a peer, and make sure the child never thinks that you are. This is not the same, and there must be separation between the two. You will have a happy client if you are able to do this.

Nine Months Old

By nine months of age, babies are taking their first steps. The baby may try to stand on his own, which often leads to falling and crying. Do not be concerned. You have not done anything wrong. The baby is smarter than you think and can understand some of the words you say to him or her. They may even attempt to say a word or two, although it may be unintelligible. Use a normal voice when you speak to them rather than using baby talk. If you use adult language, they will learn to speak much faster. If the parents are using normal language with them, you do not want to interfere with their development by using baby talk.

Ten Months

At this point, many babies can walk. The can stand by themselves, can squat, and even take a few steps, if someone holds their hand. They may be attached to a blanket, stuffed animal, or other object and they enjoy investigating anything that they can reach. These objects may be unusual, so be sure to check with the parents to find out if the baby requires a special toy when they are put to bed. The baby will use rhythmic babbling that sounds similar to sentences. Like everyone else, the baby wants you to listen to them. The baby will also use pointing and vocalization to indicate that they want a certain object.

Eleven and Twelve Months

By 11 or 12 months of age, the baby will have already learned to walk and will be moving around everywhere. Watch him or her closely because they get into anything and everything at this age. She understands a few words and a few commands.

Babysitting Seven Month Old Babies

By the time a baby is 7 months old, it has learned many useful skills. They are able to sit up by themselves, and many of them are able to crawl, or otherwise scoot along on the floor. It’s boring for the baby to be contained in a swing or playpen for long periods of time, so let them out onto the floor. If you have concerns, you can lay a blanket on the floor, but they may not stay on it. Some babies can pull themselves up to a standing position at this age, utilizing a table or other furniture for support. With all these new skills, babies commonly get hurt. They may fall down or bump their head when crawling under a table and these incidents may provoke crying. This is an unavoidable part of a baby’s learning experience, so do not think that you are doing a bad job if this happens.

Babysitting Eight Month Old Babies

At this stage, babies often express anxiety or fear when separated from their mothers. Most likely they will cry when their mother departs. Try to take them into a room where they will not see their parents’ departure. If you do so, they will not notice when their mother or father leaves, and may continue playing happily, at least for awhile. At this age, babies love it when you applaud them. Help them build a tower with blocks. Then, when it falls down, clap and cheer. Most likely this will hold their interest for about 15 minutes.

It is safe to say that infants are the most confusing children when it comes to babysitting. Since they cannot walk or talk (or if they can, they cannot do it well), they cannot communicate their needs to you. It can be quite tiring because they need a lot more care than older children. Most likely you will not be asked to babysit a child who is younger than three months old, so this article will encompass babies who are between three and twelve months of age. I will discuss their abilities and how you should take care of them.

Three Month old Babies

Three-month-old babies are able to smile and they enjoy doing it. Some of them are able to hold up their heads, but others cannot, so when you pick them up, be very careful. Since their hearing, language, and smell are developing, you should talk to the baby. They like the sound of the human voice. Do not feel silly because you think they do not understand you. I have found that babies are less likely to cry if you talk to them. Usually they must eat every 3-4 hours. The parents will let you know when the baby should be fed.

Four Month Old Babies

Babies who are 4 months old are not eating as often any more. Since they like to watch other people, if you are doing something with older children, put the baby in a location where it can see you. Although they can normally sit up by themselves for one or two seconds, stay right beside them. Do not walk away and leave them sitting up. They will fall and then, of course, they will cry. Most babies make many sounds at this stage, so you will have to learn to recognize happy sounds as well as those that indicate that the baby is unhappy.