Imagine a voice echoing from your childhood—“Kids these days have it so easy.” Back in my time, babysitters earned about a dollar per hour for each child. I even had one father pay me in loose change. Before you feel pity for my financial woes, I made up the difference by “borrowing” a few adult beverages from the pantry. However, the babysitting landscape has drastically changed, and now I often find myself dipping into my kids’ college savings just to cover a night out. We typically pay $10 an hour, but since ATMs only dispense $20 bills, we end up rounding up. A single evening can cost as much as my first car! One wonders why so many young sitters trade their gigs for college; surely there’s a savvy 26-year-old ex-babysitter lounging in a mansion somewhere in the Italian countryside.
So, aspiring babysitters, take note. I’m assuming you have the essentials down—you enjoy kids and you’re not a criminal mastermind. Here’s how to elevate your babysitting game to earn those coveted referrals.
1. Communicate Clearly
It seems many teens today have developed a mysterious inability to articulate their thoughts. Recently, I asked a babysitter how the kids were, and the response was a series of gestures that left me puzzled. Please, I need to know that in case of an emergency, you can communicate effectively, especially with a 9-1-1 dispatcher.
2. Be Proactive
When I’m on my way home, I often text, “Hey! On our way – be home in 30 minutes!” But what I’m really saying is, “Please tidy up and make it look like you didn’t just throw a party.” While I don’t expect you to deep clean my house, picking up toys or washing a few dishes will ensure I call you again.
3. Feel at Home
I’m entrusting you with my children, so I want you to feel like part of the family. Make yourself comfortable, engage with my kids, and don’t hesitate to rummage through the kitchen for snacks. Just be warned—my stash of Skinny Pop is off-limits.
4. Stay Engaged
I had thought that teenagers were perpetually glued to their phones, but apparently, they have a wealth of other important tasks to attend to. A quick response to my babysitting inquiries is invaluable. If you’re unavailable, please refer me to another sitter; I promise to give you priority next time.
5. Provide Updates
This one can be tricky. Some parents, while I love you dearly, prefer to forget about their kids once they leave the house. However, a quick text or photo confirming that the little ones are safe and sound would be greatly appreciated.
6. Share Your Insights
There’s no way I’d want to relive my teenage years, but I would love to hear your take on life! Let’s chat about fashion or music for a few minutes. I know I’ll seem ancient, but humor me as I try to keep up with what’s trending.
7. Wrap Up with Positivity
Parents adore hearing funny stories about their children when they return home. Share the amusing anecdotes or even exaggerate a bit if necessary; after a night out, I probably won’t remember the details anyway.
In essence, we greatly appreciate your role in our lives. We know babysitting can be a challenge, and we don’t ask for much—just be yourself and do a great job. But, just a friendly reminder: if you start to become too popular with the kids, you might find yourself edged out of the spotlight.
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Summary
To become a favored babysitter, focus on effective communication, being helpful, and engaging positively with the family. Make yourself comfortable, provide updates, and share enjoyable stories about the kids. By following these tips, you’ll enhance your babysitting reputation and secure more opportunities in the future.
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