It's important to let the child wind down at least 30 minutes before bedtime, no matter how old the child is.  you could read a book or play a quiet game with her.  Find out the bedtime rituals, before the parents leave, and then follow them.  It is especially important to put the child to bed at the same time the parents do.  Offer acceptable choices:  ask "Which of these pajamas do you want to wear tonight?"  instead of "Do you want to go to bed?"  If the child still refused you must be in control; let her know you are serious.  Sit beside her on the bed and pat her back without talking.  Leave when she seems relaxed.  If she gets out of bed, calmly and firmly put her back in bed, and pat her back again.  After she relaxes, leave, but later tiptoe back and check on her.


One of the most important rules for all Safe Sitters is to look both ways, watching the child(ren) at all times and watching for danger in the area where the child is playing.  Babysitters must be bodyguards.  Children are fast and can get into trouble quickly.  A babysitter must be ready to act quickly to rescue a child who is moving into danger.  Safe sitters can prevent tragedies by being a bodyguard.  We must never take our eyes off our clients.


When you are ready to begin babysitting, don't forget to ask the employer for the following important emergency numbers before they leave.  Make sure you write these down and keep them available near a phone.

Emergency Numbers

  1. Phone number of employer's home

  2. Address of employer's home

  3. Phone number where employer may be reached

  4. Phone number of available adult

  5. Phone number of emergency services - 911 or Police, Ambulance, and Fire Department

  6. Poison Center (1-800-222-1222)
 

Back to Basics

The best emergency is one that doesn't happen--that you prevent!  But if an emergency does occur, Safe Sitters  know what to do and how to get help! 

Always bring your manual including your first aid chart to each job.
Always write down all of the important numbers. 
Always act immediately if there is a threat to life or serious accident.
Always get appropriate help! 

Handling Problems Correctly

Remember! Safe Sitter® does not teach you to handle all problems yourself. There are many times when you need another person to help you handle the problem. You are not safe as a sitter if you can't ask for help.

Follow these three rules to be sure you are handling problems correctly.
 
 If you KNOW that a problem requires emergency services, an available adult, or the parents, call them with the appropriate information.
  If you THINK that a problem requires emergency services, an available adult, or the parents, call them with the appropriate information.
  If you AREN'T SURE if a problem requires emergency services, an available adult, call them the appropriate information -- just to be safe. Sometimes your parents can help you decide, but don't delay
Calling for help quickly is the kind of quick thinking that prevents tragedies. If an accident occurs, getting the right help quickly is the first rule of Safe Sitter®. 
 

Making Sibling Sitting Work

 

Here are nine Suggestions for Sibling Sitting.
  1. Do think of ALL sibling sitting jobs as true babysitting jobs.
  2. Do apply the knowledge you learned in Safe Sitter® to sibling sitting jobs.
  3. Do not try to get your own things done while you are sibling sitting, especially if that means you are distracted from watching your younger brothers or sisters.
  4. Do think of yourself as the "giver," and give your siblings their choices with television activities.
  5. Do make after-school jobs easy on yourself by doing something fun with your siblings as soon as you come home -- a snack, a favorite video, a story.
  6. Do ask your parents to remind siblings that you are in charge.
  7. Do make sure you and your parents have a backup plan if your siblings won't mind.
  8. Do set up a fun and special routine for your siblings whenever you sit. Do something fun with them that you don't ordinarily do.
  9. Do make sure you are ABLE to watch your younger brothers and sisters safely. Know the rules, the important numbers, and keep your Safe Sitter® manual where you can find it.

You need to realize that when you are sibling sitting, you are responsible for the lives of your brothers and sisters.

 

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This page was last updated 01/10/08