Posts Tagged ‘child minding’

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.

Hi there my name is Rebekah,

I live in Franklin, in the Gisborne/Hawkes Bay Area.
I am a mature minded 17 year old and I have been around children my whole life. I have always been great with children.

I am advancing this quality to go to university next year to become qualified in early childhood and primary teaching. As I am still in high school (7th form),

I am doing a childcare PORSE programme which gets me started on becoming what I wanna do. I am very motivated towards this subject and take it very seriously.

I have a St Johns Basic First Aid Certificate, and I’m also available Live In as a Nanny/Au Pair and House sitting.

Rates: $12 per hour

Housesitting Babysitter Franklin Gisborne NZ to view my profile and get my contact details

http://babysitme.co.nz/profile.php?ID=1167

Babysitme.co.nz offers a service for people looking for a babysitter or caregiver where they pay $4.95 and have full access for 1 hour, they view as many profiles with contact details as they can in that time.

Hello, I’ve been babysitting for about four years on and off.

I have looked after a range of ages.

In 2009, I had the pleasure to work at a Private Summer Camp in Texas. I spent the summer teaching swimming and looking after girls aged 5 to 16. I have American Red Cross First Aid 2009 American Red Cross Swim Instructor 2009

I’m available to babysit Sunday to Thursday after 5.30pm and anytime on Friday and Saturday. References available upon request.

Rate: $15/Hr

Please contact me via email unless urgent.

Amanda

Babysitter & Day help + Ellerslie, Auckland to view my profile and get my contact details

http://babysitme.co.nz/profile.php?ID=1164

Babysitme.co.nz offers a service for people looking for a babysitter or caregiver where they pay $4.95 and have full access for 1 hour, they view as many profiles with contact details as they can in that time.

My name is Amber.

I’m 19 year old studying Education and Performing Arts. Recently I finished studying at Excel School of Performing Arts, during which I toured NZ performing and teaching in schools and churches nationwide.

I am a very trustworthy, reliable and energetic person who has vast experiences with children, both in teaching and childcare. After leading at Peter Snell Youth Village Holiday Camps for 4 years and working for Bluepoint After School Care for all of 2008

I have found working with children always rewarding, and let’s be honest, adults really have as much fun playing with kids toys as they do.

My work hours and pay are flexible depending on your families needs.
Babysitting
Daytime Help
Elderly Care
Housesitter
Home Help
Special Needs Care
First Aid Certificate

Babysitter Elderly Care Special Needs Care Hibiscus Coast, Auckland to view my profile and get my contact details

http://babysitme.co.nz/profile.php?ID=1135

Babysitme.co.nz offers a service for people looking for a babysitter or caregiver where they pay $4.95 and have full access for 1 hour, they view as many profiles with contact details as they can in that time.

I am a stay at home mum to 4 (2 at school) and am opening my home up to babies and pre schoolers whose mum/parent needs a break.

If you do not want your child in day care, then I could be a good option for you for 1-2 hours babysitting. Whether they want to attend the gym, go shopping, get a hair cut or a coffee, or just need a nap.

Times would need to be negotiated on a weekly basis to fit around my own children. Day times preferred. I have also worked in the past as a nanny in London and Germany.

My home is very child friendly with lots of toys and a large back yard. We do have 1 friendly dog and 2 cats. We are smoke free.

Babysitting
Daytime Help
Elderly Care
Pet Sitting
First Aid Certificate

Babysitter Mt Albert, Auckland to view my profile and get my contact details

http://babysitme.co.nz/profile.php?ID=1163

Babysitme.co.nz offers a service for people looking for a babysitter or caregiver where they pay $4.95 and have full access for 1 hour, they view as many profiles with contact details as they can in that time.

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

http://www.babysitme.co.nz/profile.php?ID=3010

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Hello! I’m a reliable, fun, child-loving study-abroad student (from the States) at the University of Auckland looking to babysit your child(ren)!

I have taught pre-school summer session at Montessori School, and I am an experienced babysitter (ages 1-13).

I also have limited experience working with autistic children and students with learning dis/abilities.

I’m also happy and able to help with cleaning, cooking, tutoring, petsitting, and really about anything you would need.

I truly love children and I hope you’ll give me the chance to meet yours.

If you have any more questions, I would be more than happy to provide more information about my qualifications, interests, availability, etc.
References also available.

HomeHelp, Babysitter, Special Needs, Parnell Auckland to view my profile and get my contact details

http://babysitme.co.nz/profile.php?ID=1157

Babysitme offers a service for people looking for a babysitter or Special Needs caregiver where they pay $4.95 and have full access for 1 hour, they view as many profiles with contact details as they can in that time.

I am 22 years old, have recently returned from the UK and hold a degree in English and Women’s Studies. I am starting teacher training next year.

I have been babysitting, on and off, since I was 15 but lost contact with most referees while in the UK.

I love kids and I’m both playful and responsible. I am able to cook for kids, anything from after-school snacks, lunch packing to healthy dinners (including vegetarian, vegan and allergies).

I have a basic first aid cert but need to do my renewal course. I am also available to do homework help and tutoring. I am experienced with dyslexic and autistic children.

Rates are negotiable for long term, overnight and repeat clients. I look forward to hearing from you soon.,

Babysitting
Daytime Help
Petsitter
Special Needs Care
First Aid Certificate

Babysitter & Special Needs Care + Ponsonby, Auckland to view my profile and get my contact details

http://babysitme.co.nz/profile.php?ID=1071

Babysitme.co.nz offers a service for people looking for a Special Needs Care,  home help, babysitters etc  in NZ where they pay $4.95 and have full access for 1 hour, they view as many profiles with contact details as they can in that time.

Granny Nanny at your service!

I am very experienced in all age groups, specialising in babies.

Originally a Karitane Nurse, for the last decade I have Nannied and Babysat in Palmerston North, Hawkes Bay and Tauranga.

Well qualified in ECE (3), I hold a current First Aid Certificate and attend ongoing professional courses as a PORSE Nanny Educator. I have a comprehensive CV and many references. I am also experienced in elderly care, having nursed my mother and elderly husband in earlier years. I am currently available weekdays and most weekday evenings as well as some weekends.

Baby to Eldery Care First Aid Certificated Tauranga NZ to view my profile and get my contact details

http://babysitme.co.nz/profile.php?ID=1137

Babysitme.co.nz offers a service for people looking for a babysitter or caregiver where they pay $4.95 and have full access for 1 hour, they view as many profiles with contact details as they can in that time.

Hello, my name is Stef,

I am available to do baby sitting, and house cleaning including bathrooms, vacuuming, etc and ironing.

I can also help with other domestic jobs such as errand running, cooking dinner, etc. I have two children of my own, and a lot of experience of looking after other children in the past 9 years.

I am a very friendly, helpful, honest, reliable person. I have a current First Aid Certificate and a full license.

Ref’s available. Thanks for taking the time to look at my profile.

Babysitter & Day help + Tauranga to view my profile and get my contact details

http://babysitme.co.nz/profile.php?ID=166

Babysitme.co.nz offers a service for people looking for a babysitter or caregiver where they pay $4.95 and have full access for 1 hour, they view as many profiles with contact details as they can in that time.

Hi I’m Veronique

I have been Director of  Holiday camps and have done many baby sitting for all ages. I can help with school work as well as french lessons.

I am french but I am fluent in English. I have been in New Zealand for 4 years and lived 7 years in the UK before arriving here.

I am responsible and reliable. I have done a course in France which entitles me to look after kids all ages.

I am free most night, please give me a call. Rate is $15 per hour for one kid, $20 for 2 kids.

I have a St Johns Basic First Aid Certificate.

Looking forward to hear from you!

Homework French Lessons Childcare, Babysitter Ellerslie Auckland to view my profile and get my contact details

http://babysitme.co.nz/profile.php?ID=885

Babysitme offers a service for people looking for a babysitter or caregiver where they pay $4.95 and have full access for 1 hour, they view as many profiles with contact details as they can in that time.

Hi my name is SJ

I have almost 10 years experience in babysitting and i have also worked in a boarding school.

I charge $15 an hour for up to 3 children (depending on ages though) and after that the price is negotiable.

I have a full drivers license and my own 5 seater car. I have experience with new borns as well as older kids.

I am outgoing and i love kids. i am happy to stay over night or if you live locally and come home at 2am i don’t mind driving home. I can take the kids during the day or at night.

I have done various first aid courses but all of my certificates have now lapsed. If you have any questions give me a call or text or email and i will respond!

Babysitter Eden Tce, Auckland to view my profile and get my contact details

http://babysitme.co.nz/profile.php?ID=1117

Babysitme.co.nz  offers a service for people looking for a babysitter or caregiver where they pay $4.95 and have full access for 1 hour, they view as many profiles with contact details as they can in that time.

I am a mother of 5, and now a Nana of 4.

I have trained as a nurse, and in 2002 I got my degree in teaching.

An accident last March left me with a slight disability in my ankle and I cannot teach any more. I would be happy to work in West Auckland in almost any district from Avondale to Helensville.

I can also handle a child with Special needs and have Certificates for this.

I get on well with the elderly and would be happy to help with shopping, outings, library visits etc.

I am NOT interested in doing anyone’s housework.

I am available Monday to Friday from 9am to 9pm for caring for the elderly, but obviously for babysitting this would include evening hours when required.

Babysitting
Daytime Help
Elderly Care
Special Needs Care
First Aid Certificate

Babysitter Day help elderly care Massey West Auckland to view my profile and get my contact details

http://babysitme.co.nz/profile.php?ID=988

Babysitme.co.nz offers a service for people Daytime Help Elderly Care Special Needs Carer where they pay $4.95 and have full access for 1 hour, they view as many profiles with contact details as they can in that time.

I’m Sam.

Qualified Nanny with the Wellington Nannies Collage.

I’ve, Cert 3 in Early Childhood Studies.

Now Working for PORSE, as an In-Home Educator, work within my own home. I’ve a First Aid Cert and Swim Safe Cert.

I enjoy taking children on outings,such as the pool, park and doing craft at home for the wet days.

I currently look after three children in my home (Boy 3yrs, Girl 19mths,Girl 9mths) and have one space free for a child over the age of 2years,

$7 per hour for In-Home… and $10 a day for house/pet sitting.

Thank you.

Babysitter House sitting Nanny/Au Pair Newlands, Wellington to view my profile and get my contact details

http://babysitme.co.nz/profile.php?ID=367

Babysitme.co.nz offers a service for people looking for a babysitter Nanny/Au Pair caregiver where they pay $4.95 and have full access for 1 hour, they view as many profiles with contact details as they can in that time.

Especially if the children were less than perfect, it can be a tricky question to be asked “How were the kids?” Do you let the children get away with whatever they did, or do you tell the parents that their children were brats? Or should every little detail be told so the children get upset, the parents get upset and you look like a tattle tale? It isn’t easy telling the parents their children were acting up, especially when the parents believe their children can do no wrong. The children’s behavior should come up in certain situations and here’s an explanation of when.

If household items are broken. The parents need to be told if the children broke anything other than a pencil or something insignificant. If the blame isn’t placed where it belongs, the wrong child might be blamed. Since the parents don’t know, they might all be punished for it. If the details aren’t explained, they may decide you are the irresponsible one.

Injuring a sibling. If a sibling is hurt while you’re watching the children, you might be blamed. You should report several types of situations to the family, especially when a child hurts another child and it leaves a mark of any kind. If one child is hurt, leaving a mark on the body, the situation needs to be explained to the parents and blame placed on the child that did it, and there are several reasons for this. This should be stopped right away.

That is probably against all rules in their house and the child should be stopped from doing it. The child should not be doing that, and the parents to be aware if their actions show different. The mark could be blamed on you if you don’t tell on the child. All sorts of hassles could result because of this. If you haven’t explained to the parents what happened and who did it, they might blame you because child abuse is illegal. Remember that even if you don’t blame the children, they might blame you the next day. They might not be surprised their child did that, and most parents will be understanding. Most often the child is the one blamed for doing it.

That risk is a high one to take, so don’t go that approach. The parent should be told about it, so talk over what happened. What you were doing when that happened is something they will most likely ask. Explain it to them and ask how you should handle it if it happens again. You are likely to get called back if you show you are trying to help solve the problem.

Doing Dangerous Things. If anything dangerous is done by the child, the parents definitely needs to know. The parents should be aware of it, and you need to tell them if the child was playing with matches (especially older ones that should know better) or was doing anything that they might do again. The best way to handle it is to explain that the behavior worries you, that the child may be hurt, and ask that the rules be explained to you.

Tell the parents if you already knew the rule and the child deliberately disobeyed it more than once or twice. Rather than have the child get hurt seriously while you are in charge, it’s better to have the parents or the children a little irritated.

It generally isn’t your fault when the child misbehaves if you were doing everything you were supposed to, so remember this when things go bad. At times you might feel like it was your fault because of how the parents react. Telling parents is something they might appreciate right away. But some parents won’t mind at all. Don’t take things too personally regardless of how they turn out. Rather than having anything seriously go wrong the next time you sit for a family, it is better to have told them right away.

Many people never figure out how to walk the fine line of being in charge and also being a friend. However if you babysit older children, this is necessary to do.

Your may spend a lot of time with the child, especially if you nanny for an older child. Without the child forgetting that you are in charge, find a way to make the child like you and feel comfortable around you. You are not the same as them. They are likely to no longer take orders from you, and respect your authority once you overstep that boundary into friendship because you become their peer. To keep on top of the line, here are some things to do and not to do.

What not to do:

Gossiping is something to stay away from at all times. Avoid any bad gossip. Siblings and family members should never be “bashed”, along with anyone else. Gossip is surely something a babysitter shouldn’t do, however don’t get this confused with friendly conversation. Talk about the children next door who got a dog, or about how cute their aunt’s baby is. However don’t say something negative about anybody. If children start to do this, you can just carefully tell them that they shouldn’t say these things about people, or disregard it. Choose the one you think is best, and go with it. But don’t be a part of it. This drags you downward to peer level.

Teasing is also something that results with you being at this level. Even if is friendly teasing, doing so is never a good idea. In a child’s eye, teasing is something a peer does to fit it, so you never know when it might hurt a child. Don’t appear like someone who wants to “fit in”; never be mistaken for a person like this. Safe and happy is how you want to keep the child while they are in your care.

If the children become more responsible than you, there might be a serious problem. If you give an idea for something to do, but the child says this is against the rules, for any reason, don’t force the issue. There should be plenty of alternatives for what you could do instead. Don’t tell them that it’s alright, you will keep a secret from their parents. Stepping into the peer side once again, you really need to be careful here.

Be serious. If you must tell the children to do a task (or don’t do it), say it seriously. Do not beg by saying “You Need to do this,” instead of “Why don’t you do this,” or “Come on, do this”, as all of these phrases seem like you are begging. It is important to remember that begging is not acceptable. If it is important, be firm, but for little things, these forms are okay. Follow up and use a firm voice. Tell them, again and again, if they don’t do it. There will be consequences if they don’t do what you say – they need to realize this. You are the boss, and this action will let them know that. Being pushed around is something that you should never experience in this situation.

Babysitting a Child with Special Needs 2 What to do when minding an older child.

Babysit Me is has lists of people in New Zealand offering their services in all area’s of caring for people, from newborn babies, to elderly care, there’s the usual list of

Babysitters, Daytime Help, Elderly Carers, Au Pairs, Nanny’s, House Sitters, Pet Sitters, Home Help, Special Needs Carers

but it doesn’t stop there, many of the NZ carers listed in the directory also offer things like Homework Help, Tutoring, before and/or after school pick-ups and care, Emergency Care Respite Care, Help with Birthday Parties, Short Stay Care in their Own Homes.

The carers in the carer directory range in ages from 14 to 60+ so offer a downloadable CV’s , most will do housework, or generally anything that’s required, although the odd carer states quite clearly “I won’t do your housework.” lol.

I’m going to add some new searchable categories one of which will be of interest to people from overseas… Carers looking at AuPair out of New Zealand.

So if you are a

Babysitter, Daytime Help, Elderly Carer, Au Pair, Nanny, House Sitter, Pet Sitter, Home Help, Special Need Carer and might also offer

Homework Help, Tutoring, before and/or after school pick-ups and care, Emergency Care Respite Care, Help with Birthday Parties, Short Stay Care in their Own Homes, or any other way of taking care of a certain or any age group,

and looking for the

best ways to promote yourself as a babysitting join up here

http://babysitme.co.nz/join.php

Find out how to refer to the child when you first agree to babysit a hearing-impaired child. Some say hearing challenged or hearing impaired, while others use the term deaf. In every situation, deaf and dumb is the wrong term to use.

Eventually, these children will learn to speak even if they can’t now. Some can hear a little, and many of them have some hearing and hearing aids to help them hear well.

Usually, hearing impaired kids learn to communicate by lip-reading or sign language. Learning to speak is something that most deaf children accomplish. Sign language comes in several different types. ASL has its own grammar, and it is the 4th most common language in the US. Pictures and meaning were used to create the language. In sign language, you may notice SEE or several other methods in English. ASL does a better job of helping deaf children fit into the deaf culture, and SEE does a better job of helping kids learn to communicate with hearing people. They only know of a hearing world if they aren’t taught how to sign.

If the child uses sign language to communicate, any babysitter should learn to use it as well. Arrange for the parents to teach you the most important signs if this will be a steady customer. Learn sign language on the Internet or buy a sign language book with your babysitting money. How well you can take care of the child is measured by how much you can sign. The child will know that you care if you accomplish this. Have the parents show you what signs the baby uses because they don’t always sign like adults.

Look him in the eye and speak clearly as you sign to a deaf child. Your lip movements should never be exaggerated. The normal way that lip movements occur is how he learned to read them. Don’t look away or put your hand in front of your face. They may understand lip-reading, signs, and listening; many children use a combination.
Plan games and activities that don’t require much communication until you are better at signing. Look at picture books, do crafts, or play tag. Writing notes back and forth might work for older children. Teaching you to sign might be something that children enjoy.

Be sure that younger children don’t turn off their hearing aid; make sure you keep an eye on them to prevent this from happening.

To escape you, they may do this sometimes. Keep a close eye on them because they might take them off and hide or lose them. To replace them, it will require a lot of money. To make sure it doesn’t go down the drain, take off the hearing aid and put it in a safe place before you give the child a bath. While the child is taking a bath, sleeping or swimming, ask the parents what to do with the hearing aids.

Deaf children are just regular kids in most ways, and that is the most important thing of all to remember. Just like you would any child, treat them as if they are no different. Feeling special and important is something they long for.

If the child bites me, what should be my course of action?
Let the parents know. Biting can be quite problematic, particularly if the skin is broken. You should get medical attention if they bite you and the skin is broken.

Clean and sterilize the wound and cover it with a band-aid until you can get to a doctor. You must advise the parents because if the child attends daycare or school, the parents must advise the teachers of the problem so they can work together to rectify the problem.

DO NOT Bite the child back, this doesn’t teach them anything.
DO NOT Smack the Child.

If the problem persists ask the parents how they deal with undesired behavior like Biting