I NEED BABYSITTERS TO ANSWER SOME QUESTIONS?

I don't babysit anymore but I used to. Im also a parent with 2 children in daycare, so Im going to give this a go for you.

-If there was a problem I would speak with the parent(s) explain what it was and come up with a strategy to fix it. I expect this from the daycare provider I currently use.

-You should communicate with parents honestly and openly about how their children are behaving and if you have any concerns. My provider sends home a 'daily report' it tells me what they ate, how long they slept, if she noticed any diaper rashes, which book they read and any fun things they did during the day. As well as any concerns she has. We usually discuss these when I pick up my kids.

-When I babysat my favorite thing was spending time with the kids, I loved taking them outside and doing carefree childhood things like playing tag or just being silly. Made me feel like a kid again.

-My least favorite thing had to be disciplining anyone elses children. If you're not consistant with what the parents do (or you don't agree with their methods) it makes it very difficult

-You can wear anything you want, I recommend comfortable jeans and a t-shirt that you're okay with getting dirty. With kids you just never know

-That depends on the kids, every child is different. I think the more time you spend with them, the more they respect you and the easier it becomes

-I would say 13 with the babysitters course in their home, as an adult in your home I would not likely leave my children with anyone younger than 20 unless they had EXCELLENT references

-I think that depends, at least one meet and greet in the setting where you will be taking care of the kids and some emailing/texting/phone calls discussing expectations are necessary. I always did that and now I expect that with anyone who watches my kids. During the meet and greet the children should be present as well.

-I was 11

-I think your typical work day depends if you're doing this as a full-time during the day thing as a business or a part-time basis. Since I'm not sure which you're referring I'm unable to answer your question

-Patience and creativity. Also I recommend being in decent physical shape so you can keep up. Ability to lift 30 pounds at least a few times a day (based on one toddler, add more if you're watching several)

-Once again this depends on if you're running a business or doing it part-time. Most babysitters work with parents to determine a schedule. Its really not set in stone, one sitter might work 3 hours a week the next one might work 44.. It depends what you're willing to take on. I would call the hours flexible.

-The atmosphere would be casual (usually its in a home) as a rule you don't work with a lot of adults. So I would describe the people you work with as energetic, sticky and loud (lol)

-Be prepared for ANYTHING when you're working with children. Obtain a first aid certificate, and be sure you have ALOT of patience. Keep in mind your 'boss' is 3 years old. Also, have a decent amount of healthy snacks and craft stuff on hand at all times. Keeping kids amused is the best way to keep them happy.

To put my answers in prospective I am a 25+yo who has been babysitting for 15+ years and i currently do daycare for 10 kids in my home.

If there was a problem- minor non life threatening, call the parents, life threatening call 911, signs of abuse in kids 911. (for advice ie how to deal with a kid who does something, or for planning curriculum etc talk to other providers or my mom who did daycare for years and now works at Head Start)

how communicate with parents, talk before and after job, notes, texts, however parents prefer

favorite thing- get to influence kids (for short term jobs- that i'm literally getting paid to play with kids)

least- long days, lack of understanding from outsiders of how much work a bunch of kids can be\

wear- comphy appropriate clothes (ie jeans t-shirt, NOT short, reavealing something your grandmother would be ok seeing you in)

Most kids are not hard to care for if you take the time to get to know them, of course there are exceptions, and special needs, that's why it's important to get lot's of info from parents.

starting age depends on each person, some people never should, some can as early as 12,

I as the babysitter have walked into jobs not knowing the family at all, however i am an adult (and always let someone know where i will be for safety) as a kid it should be a level comfortable with sitters parents. As a professional daycare provider i interview family and have them fill out packet of info

start age I was just shy of 12 for occasional babysitting and 25 when opened my daycare (after college)

average day 7 am to 7 pm of nonstop working, running after kids, cooking cleaning, wiping butts and noses, breaking up squables BUT getting to influence kids, teaching them, helping them grow responsible, so in a nutshell one of the hardest most rewarding jobs there is (with very little pay)

skills needed: basic housekeeping and cooking, understanding how kids think/act, problem solving

hours a week 60 plus (open 12 hours 7 days a week plus prep and clean up, inc shopping and even house repair such as painting on weekends)

I work alone for the most part, i do have to work 'for' the parents thankfully they are a great group (ie understand that kids are kids, sometimes they get hurt, sometimes they get messy etc) and work within the state guidelines

advice- be prepared for long hours, with little pay, but most of the time it's worth it, as i often say 'most days i like my job, and i figure that's good for any job'

if i could change one thing- would not have it in my house, i'm single with no kids of my own so by the time the day is over would love to have the toys etc out of my house, but don't have the $ to open a center etc.

Hope this helps!