Babysitting Tips for new sitters - Bad Babysitter vs. Good Babysitter

[lizisback12]

oh and I meant to say the 2nd family i mentioned

[lizisback12]

ok thata sounds like a good idea. I don't think I've tried it before so I'll have to give it a try the next time I babysit. How would it work like say for example I was babysitting my neighbors that I first mentioned before with the 7 and 11 year old. say they get into and argument. and fight over a toy.

[babysittinglady]

@lizisback12 Ok, I posted on my blog tonight just for you! There wasn't enough room here to go into detail, so check out my post by going to Babysittingworld's home page and clicking on the link for my blog! You can ask questions there as well. best of luck babysitting!

[lizisback12]

Hey I have a question for you. I don't really babysit anymore but I used to like 3 years ago. this was their age three years ago. I babysat a 4 year old and a 11 month old (boys) of one family and another family with a 6 year old boy and a 11 year old girl. They live in my neighbor hood so I'd go over maybe once every two weeks or once a month or something. Here's the question..

[lizisback12]

When I babysat them, I'd always find myself getting into a problem of controlling them sometimes with things like behavior. If they got into an argument or are fighting.. I don't know what to to say sometimes. like I'd say "stop" and that's it. I won't put them on time out as much as i should cause i always tell myself " Well I don't want to be mean." any way or tips on how i can solve this problem

[babysittinglady]

@lizisback12 You aren't being mean by disciplining them, but u should try 2 use distraction whenever possible. Also, reward good behavior with things like getting 2 choose the bedtime story or getting 2 b 1st in line 2 get their snack. Have a few interesting things in your babysitting bag 2 use 4 distraction like a light up ball or flashlight keychain. Have a list of things 2 do ready. Kids r less likely to misbehave if they r having fun. Make Oobleck, do crafts, make shadow puppets

[lizisback12]

@babysittinglady Do i just bring something like a uhnique toy to take out of a bag to distract them. Wait unless you mean like I can say " hey if bioth of you won't share the toy, Why don't we do a craft." Like that? and thanks for the tip:)

[lizisback12]

ok thata sounds like a good idea. I don't think I've tried it before so I'll have to give it a try the next time I babysit. How would it work like say for example I was babysitting my neighbors that I first mentioned before with the 7 and 11 year old. say they get into and argument. and fight over a toy.

[Imanilox]

Oh and I have only babysat 3 times so far

[babysittinglady]

@Imanilox Babysitting experience doesn't just mean caring 4 other people's kids by yourself. experience includes caring for younger siblings, taking a babysitting course, taking a first aid & CPR course, working as a mothers helper, & working at a camp or preschool. When you figure out your rate, let him know BEFORE you babysit for him again. You can message me or email me through my website for more information. Good Luck!

[Imanilox]

I am also very new to babysitting...I baby-sit my neighbors kids (they're 4 & 6 ,I'm 17)maybe once a month...I guess the parents only do once a month for now until I get used to it and they're also new to the babysitting as well...but my question is how much does an adverage baby-sitter get paid?I get $24 after being there from 3pm-12am. when he hands me the money he asks is that enough? N I don't want to ask.for more if that's all he can give me...a friend of mine gets $50 wen she baby-sits

[babysittinglady]

@Imanilox If u r saying u babysit 9 hours for $24, that's crazy. That is less than $3 per hr. How much a sitter is paid usually depends on her age, experience, her zipcode, and how many kids she's caring 4 & their ages. So u don't have much experience, but a 4 & 6 yr old r not self sufficient, u still have to work 2 care 4 them. Ask more friends what the rate is in your area or try a babysitting calculator online. In most areas $8 pr hr is the minimum but could be $5.

[horsecart1]

this video is kinda wrong i been babysitting kids for 3 years and the parents are always happy when i rough house with them so they get there energy out i been babysitting ADHD and anger issue children and when they did something wrong i lock them in a bedroom while int here and they act up eventually calm down the parenst know waht i do

[babysittinglady]

@horsecart1 There are exceptions 2 every rule! In general MOST parents would like 2 keep the running around outside because it is 2 easy 2 get hurt inside and things can get broken. Not everyone will babysit 4 parents who like it when u lock their kids in a room! Generally, adults prefer that their belongings b respected. Some people have finished basements 4 rough play. What I am saying here is u shouldnt jump on beds or sofas or play football in the dining rm. Use ur best judgement

[parkerlaine123]

hi, i'm 17 and i am scheduled to baby sitt tmrw night but ive never baby sat before and its three children...do you think that is a bad idea to baby sitt children when ive never done it before? also what if they hate me? what then?

[babysittinglady]

@parkerlaine123 Everybody has 2 start somewhere. Do the parents know you've never babysat before? It's not a good idea 2 care 4 newborns or infants if u have no experience but older is fine. Read them books, play with them, bring some recyclable items and make crafts. I doubt they'll hate you. Be patient and kind but firm. If u are really nervous about it maybe u pass until u have experience. email me through my site for tips, I don't have enough space here 2 answer u properly.

[mcbiz1]

i know this is a bit of a wired question but i live in the UK and im eleven almost 12 and im a boy do u think i could babysit i was thinking about age 4-8 no older or younger and i am very responsible because ive got a disabled twin sister so i have always have been and i know alot about younger children and what make them happy plz can i have some advice thanks, oliver

[babysittinglady]

@mcbiz1 This is not a weird question at all. I recently taught a babysitting course and there was a brother and sister in the class. The brother ended up getting a babysitting job b4 his sister! As long as there is no license requirements in the UK u should be able to start babysitting. I suggest making a flier to give to parents, & possibly working as a mother's helper first. Please contact me through my website link because I am limited here by # of characters. Also read the tips on my blog.

[the411onbeauty]

My aunt might take me to Hawaii so her and my uncle and go out and I will take care of my cousin (he is 1 but will be 1 1/2 when we go) we will probobly stay at an hotel so I don't know what to do with him when we are there. I'm 13 and very mature I act like 16 so she will probably let me go out side of the hotel.. Input??

[the411onbeauty]

My aunt might take me to Hawaii so her and my uncle and go out and I will take care of my cousin (he is 1 but will be 1 1/2 when we go) we will probobly stay at an hotel so I don't know what to do with him when we are there. I'm 13 and very mature I act like 16 so she will probably let me go out side of the hotel but I just don't know anything to do with him. Input??

[babysittinglady]

@the411onbeauty 1 1/2 is a great age for play. If she does let u take him out, hopefully she will bring a fold up stroller 4 walks. If u can, bring a bag of play things including play dough, small ball or beach ball, coloring books & crayons, bathtub paints, finger or hand puppets (u can make 1 out of a sock), kazoo, harmonica, books, lightweight blocks, small flashlight (kids luv them), magnets, sidewalk chalk, & musicbox. Act out nursery rhymes, hop skip & jump, dance & sing.

[anilesep]

what if when you ask the child to do something she just starts to cry and scream....

[babysittinglady]

@anilesep First of all, how old is the child? How long have you been babysitting her? Is this the only thing that makes her cry and scream? Could you give me an example of what you ask her to do that causes her to cry? Be careful that you are not rewarding her crying with your reaction. You getting upset could be just what she wants. When a child misbehaves, your reaction is key in determining the child's behavior. Distraction is a great tool as well.

[anilesep]

@babysittinglady well her name is Fiama and she is just barely 5 i have been sitting for her for a few months and when she doesn't get what she wants she gets very upset and if you ask her to do something she doesn't want to do like take a timeout or a nap or something like that she will cry. I don't really know what to do but i know that if i give her whatever she wants she'll be a brat but how do i get her to do what she needs to do without the crying and screaming??

[babysittinglady]

@anilesep B firm but speak with a gentle tone & DO NOT GIVE IN, she will eventually realize that crying will not get her what she wants. U may have 2 put up with the crying a few times until she sees that it does her no good, but don't get upset. Just keep telling her what she needs 2 do and guide her back 2 where she needs 2 b. B sure 2 reward her good behavior with lots of praise & maybe do something she enjoys. 4 example, if she takes a nap without crying u read her favorite story.

[anilesep]

@babysittinglady ty for that i'll try that ;)

[babysittinglady]

@anilesep you can also email me through my website for more detailed information. I am limited as to how much I can help here because the number of characters isn't enough to say all that I would like. Good Luck!

[anilesep]

@babysittinglady ty :)

[MssKizzydizzy]

Hi, I am a 14 year old and I'm going to be babysitting for a ten year old girl for the first time. Have any tips?

[babysittinglady]

@MssKizzydizzy Lots of girls that age like to play with makeup. Check with her mom first, if she says it's ok put makeup on each other and do each others hair. Try to find a song you both like, look up the lyrics on the internet if you don't know them, and choreograph a dance to it. If Mom says it's ok, maybe give yourselves manicures and pedicures. Do some crafts using recyclables, or make Oobleck - it's just cornstarch and water - check the internet for details, it's cool!

[FashionStar907]

what do you do to calm down a child that isnt told "no" by their parents much? she doesnt like puzzels, at my house when she comes over we have no toys and can only be kept enitertained with coloring for so long and she never wants to read books

[babysittinglady]

@FashionStar907 First, how old is the child? 2cd, don't worry that the parents don't tell her no. U stick 2 the rules at your house no matter what and she will soon realize she needs 2 obey U. Consistency is key even if it is only with u. No toys?!!! Use your imagination. Do u use paper towels? If so, save the cardboard tubes from them. Kids love 2 make sound and do crafts. Recyclables r great 4 crafts. Empty tissue box and elastics = guitar. Paper plate, crayons & string = mask

[urkim22]

Question: I'm a babysitter that baby sits a 1 1/2 year old, while her parents work upstairs in their attic. I start to play with her for a few minutes, but after a while she starts crying for her mommy and daddy. I try to get her to play something else, or give her a snack, anything to try to get her to stop crying, sometimes I even try to get her to take a nap, but she doesn't budge, all she wants are her mommy and daddy. What do I do to distact her from wanting her mom and dad??

[babysittinglady]

@urkim22 This is a hard question without details like - how long do u care 4 her, do her parents come down 2 C her at all during that time, how long have u been babysitting 4 this child? The more fun she has with u, the less she will cry 4 her parents. Search online 4 games & toys her age group enjoys most. Typically a child this age loves to go 4 walks either in or out of the carriage. When she cries 4 her parents, smile, nod your head and assure her they'll be down in a little while then play

[babysittinglady]

@bubblegummy4 I'm not sure that approach is the best idea. Does the camp have a problem with u giving a business card or flier to parents as they are leaving? You will appear more mature, responsible, and professional if u approach the parents yourself. If the camp won't let u -do u have to wear a uniform to the camp? If not, try wearing a T-shirt that says "Worlds Best Babysitter." That will get attention from both kids and adults. Most craft stores have everything you need to make the shirt.

[peacelovejb5033]

thanks!

[babysittinglady]

@bellabee771 It's hard to give advice without all the details, but I would say u r right about them feeding off of ur reactions. This is common. Most kids just want attention. Find out what it is they like 2 play & play with them or if for example they like baseball but you don't want to play, ask them to show you their baseball card collection. Don't react to bad behavior with emotion & try 2 use distraction. Try small rewards for good behavior. U may email me through my website for more ideas.

[gmgirl1137]

Very helpful video! Thank you :)

[stephaniesammy2]

What do i do when i babysit my neighbor ,and she crys all day long

not for any reason

[babysittinglady]

@stephaniesammy2 - If your neighbor is a baby, take a look at my article on "How to stop baby's crying."  Go to Baby Sitting World's home page and click on the article on the left hand side of the page. If your neighbor is an older child, you can contact me through the contact link on the bottom of the homepage with more details and I will respond. Best of Luck!

[stephaniesammy2]

@babysittinglady

the thing is shes not a baby shes seven and crys just to make me mad

[babysittinglady]

@stephaniesammy2 - If you truly believe that she is just crying to make you mad, then you need to change your reaction. If showing your anger is her reward for crying, then remove the reward. It is hard to give advice since I do not know you or the child. If you're sure nothing is wrong, then she may just be looking for attention. If you email me through my website, I will try to help you further. Another visitor here (a few comments down) had a similar problem. I was able to help thru email.

[stephaniesammy2]

@babysittinglady

ok ..i should just ingore her?...becuz thats what i did and she settled down for a lil while

[babysittinglady]

@stephaniesammy2 If she's doing it to make you mad then ignoring it is the best thing. Just be sure that you are still keeping an eye on her. You can try reading a book aloud or when she starts crying. Almost every kid loves stories. She'd probably rather listen than cry and may quiet right down when she sees that you are still reading and not paying attention to her. Be sure not to raise your voice or show emotion when she cries for no reason. Distraction can work wonders.

[domram12]

PARENTS ONLY WANT TO HIRE young women or teenage females to be the babysitters AND ARE TERRFIED to hire young men or teenage boys BECAUSE THESE PARENTS would rather have their daughters KEEP THAT DIRTY LITTLE SECRET with a PEDO FEMALE BABYSITTER then a male babysitter.

[IxBitexRawr]

I'm 12 and I babysit a 6 year old girl who is VERY rambunctious and her parents will give her a punishment and then not go through with it! The girl never listens to me and made a mess out of the bathroom yesterday (on purpose!) I've tried reading books and distracting her with Scooby-Doo and TV and everything but she's too hyper to sit still. I'm running out of things to keep her entertained (she's super smart and gets bored easily). Help!? D:

[babysittinglady]

@IxBitexRawr - It sounds like she's looking for attention and she enjoys the reaction she gets from upsetting you by messing up the bathroom etc. Think about how you respond when she does these things and stop responding that way. Get her to play games with you by challenging her. She seems like the type that would just love to beat you at a game that you say you are so good at. Email me thru the "contact us" link on my website. I have more ideas but not enough room left here to discuss them.

[EzmiaJolie]

Ohh this makes me very excited about babysitting!! I have some neighbors I might be able to start babysitting for (alas for free but at least I get experience!And the kids are so nice). And a class I might take next year or earlier :) I can't wait!! =D

[babysittinglady]

@EzmiaJolie I see that you said you will be babysitting for free to get experience. That's great, but be sure to have the parents write you a letter of recommendation if you do a good job! It doesn't have to be long, just a paragraph or two. It should help you to get some paying jobs soon! Good Luck!

[ataugusti]

thank you for your advise

[moongoddess73198]

I'm practicing babysitting on my cousins first before I go out and advertise myself to babysitting! Any tips?

[babysittinglady]

@moongoddess73198 - not sure what types of things you are looking for tips on, but if you visit my website, there is a page for babysitters and nannies that has some tips and links to other pages with more tips and articles. If you don't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact me through the website and I'll try to help you further! Best of Luck Babysitting!

[ataugusti]

do you have any tips for me i am 11 trying to babysit and am i allowed?

[babysittinglady]

@ataugusti I had a similar question by an 11 yr old last month. Check out my response to lalala1235684. Also, you can take a look at my page for babysitters and nannies on my website. There are several tips and links to other tips and articles as well. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to email them to me through the website. Thank you for your interest!

[ataugusti]

@babysittinglady well thank you for replying

[babysittinglady]

@ataugusti I am sorry, I didn't mean to sound vague. I started babysitting at 10. Check to be sure there aren't any laws in your state that declare a particular age for babysitting. My best advice would be to take a babysitting course and/or work as a mother's helper for a while until you get some experience. Also, most families will probably hire you as a babysitter once you've worked as a mother's helper for them for a while. Let me know if you have specific questions. Good Luck!

[kuledog4]

I need advice on getting more customers!!! I babysit 2 families not very often and I'm 13.

[babysittinglady]

@kuledog4 Thanks for the question. I will send you a message on your channel because I have several suggestions for you and I'm not sure I'll have enough space here to fit them all!

[babysittinglady]

@kuledog4 Thanks for the question. I will send you a message on your channel because I have several suggestions for you and I'm not sure I'll have enough space here to fit them all!

[lalala1235684]

can an 11 year old babysit?

[babysittinglady]

@lalala1235684 - Can an 11 yr old babysit? First check with your state laws to see if there are any restrictions or "legal" age for babysitting. If not, it is really up to the parent hiring the sitter. Some kids are much more mature than others at that age. If an 11 yr old wants to babysit, she should take a babysitting course and work as a "mother's helper" for a while first to gain experience. Also, it is better for her/him to care for preschool and school age children before caring for babies

[Guthrow65]

are there any 800 numbers with on thespot advice ?

[babysittinglady]

@Guthrow65 I'm sorry I don't know of any, but I try to answer all questions emailed to me or posted as a comment on my blog as soon as possible.

[TheGreatMadison]

I have a babysitting business :)

me and my daughter Ellie go to the people's house every 3 days or so lol

[p0ptarts2]

thats great im starting to babysit and i nee d good tips like yours are!

[babysittinglady]

@p0ptarts2 check out my blog if you're interested. I have over 100 short articles all related to babysitting. Some are meant for parents, but most of them are for babysitters.

[StarBeauty123]

Those tips are great and me and my friend are starting a babysitting business this summer, only it will be at my house, but those were still great tips!

[babysittinglady]

@StarBeauty123 Because you are already looking for helpful tips, I can see that you'll be a great babysitter. If you are interested, check out my blog. It has over 100 short articles for parents and babysitters. Best of luck to you and your friend!

[kendra1]

Omg I have that barbie talking town house from when I was 7 still!! Haha little sister loves it

[babysittinglady]

That's funny! That was a cool Barbie house. When I was a kid I had the townhouse with the elevator that you had to pull the string to make it go up and down. A talking house wasn't even imagined back then. LOL Thanks for commenting!

[keirab133]

Thankyou so much !

[keirab133]

Thankyou this helped alot...im going to baby sitting most of the summer so i needed some tips. I will definetaly check out the site.

[babysittinglady]

Thank you for your comments. Definitely check out my site. You can access my blog from the home page, where you'll find about 100 articles loaded with babysitting tips! The fact that you are even looking for tips shows that you are serious about caring for children. I'm sure you will be a fabulous babysitter! Best of Luck!

[pogochese]

nice :D

this was entertaining :P

[sophie8798]

thats good soo good for people, and its all soo right in the vidoe, somethings you should do somethings you shount do..

[babysittinglady]

Thanks for your comment, it is very much appreciated!

[futurepace1]

I've never come across anyone else so knowledgable on the subject of babysitting. Thanks Lisa.

K.

[jjjalopy]

Hey Lisa! What a great entertaining video. You're a natural! I bet that was a lot of fun to make.

[GetHealthyHQ]

Darling short video on babysitting tips. Just as important for Mom and Dad to watch as it is for babysitters.

Katie

[kenpolane]

You are the babysitting expert. Great video and your blog also rocks.

Lynn Lane

[CosmicKatProductions]

Excellent video with informative tips for babysitters!

[babysittinglady]

Thank you sir!

[robsan62]

great video!

[Striker0626]

These are some great tips for girls (or guys) who are starting out babysitting. You know your stuff.

Steve Chambers