Hi there! I might get a babysitting job with a 4 year old and a six year old. If I do get the job or at least meet these people how should I act, wear, say, do? Should I show them my first aid and babysitting certificate? Is it ok to show them a picture of my dog to show them I'm nice and down to earth? All info would be helpfull thanks. She said she would call me Sunday!!
2006-09-27 09:25:59 · 11 answers · asked by And For A Moment I Am Happy 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
if you do get the job, there really shouldent any worries about acceptance. once they say "yeah" they cant really say "no" unless you act like a total lunatic.
a first aid and babysitting certificate is always a good thing to bring along the first time you're meeting new clients (thats parents of kids you're babysitting!) its always good to tell them you have it, durring the conversation most parents will have with you about who you are, and what you do, and what you will be expected to do. and of course if they want to see it, you have it right there. a picture of your dog isnt really a wonderfull thing to point out and share, unless they start talking about their dog and how much they love him. you do not want to compare your dog to their children. everyone feels that their children are much more important than an animal, so its just not good to mention the 2 together. the fact that you are a down to earth person and nice means you will have no problem talking to these new people. good conversation starters are "i absolutely love your kichen! its so cute! (or big, or whatever it is you might like abou it)"
"i saw your flowers out in your front yard! they look so pretty."
do whatever you can to tell them that you notice the little things (little good things, not oh, hey, theres cobwebs up in that corner! that would be found offensive, and they might look at it as you're telling them they dont take care of their house.)
if you already know the children you're going to be babysitting, ask how the oldest one is doing in school. (or something like that.)
if you dont know the children you are about to babysit, ask if the 6 year old has started to read yet, or something like that.
conversation should come naturally to you, you should always want to talk about the childrens health, how they're growing up, and what kind of activties you had planed, and what kind of activities the parents find that these children often enjoy. (coloring, playing hide and seek, and dolls or race cars (for girls and boys are all excelent but normal activities.) if the parent questions you about things like, "how often would you be letting my children watch TV?"
this is a very difficult question. respond by saying something like "while i know it diffrers from parent to parent, i try to get the kids involved in playing outside, or their toys in their room before i resort to the TV. unless you tell me about any programs they regularly watch, or if they're given a normal TV allowance, i try to stay away from the TV as much as possible." this will show the parent you realize the importance of the children getting excersize, and the problem many children have today with watching too much TV. other than that, think about what you say before you say it! you're one up from most of the younger babysitters, when i was younger, i didnt have any type of certificate, but i often made $200 in one weekend. (i had many, many clients!) i'm 24 now, and i've had alot of time to look back on everything thats happened. and i consider myself a retired babysitter (because i have another job now. more hours. but its not harder! thats for sure!)
if you have any other questions, or if i didnt answer one with all the information you needed, feel free to send me a message! good luck! i'm sure you'll do great!
2006-09-27 10:04:05 · answer #1 · answered by ASLotaku 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you know 1st Aid and you have a babysitting certificate, you already have a leg up on the competition. I would much rather have you babysit than someone without those skills.
You should wear something comfortable. Chasing a 4 and 6 year old in heels? No way! No really though, jeans and a t-shirt. Act? Be yourself as you always should. Always be yourself. Its best that way.
Absolutely! Show them a picture of your whole family!! And being down to earth is a great quality. I think you'll do great and be a fine babysitter. All the luck.
2006-09-27 09:31:54 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As far as whether or not you're old enough... I have a sister the same age and she's too immature and irresponsible to be home alone or baby sit my other sister, so I still baby sit her. But, it's whatever your parents decide. If they think you're old enough and respsonsible enough to take care of other kids, then go ahead. Parents will be skeptical about hiring you, I'll tell you that much, and I doubt people really hire you. You're a bit too young. There's so much that goes into babysitting that you don't realize. You have to know what the children are allergic to, and a whole lot of other stuff. You'll need to know First Aid and CPR isn't a bad idea. As far as flyers, Put BABYSITTING or something like that as a heading and list your phone numbers on it and tell a little about yourselves. Again, as long as this is okay with your parents. For an alternative you could have a bake sale. Make cookies and brownies. You and your friend can do it together at one of your houses, you'll have loads of fun making them and selling them. Or you could make arts and crafts, like beaded jewelry and sell them. If you want to help out with kids, then you could be a mother's helper. You go to a family's hom and help the parent(s) with their child.You could post flyers for that. If you do decide to do it, then you could gain potential customers as the parent will have developed trust in you after being there to help the child, because you'll already know what the child does and does not like, what they're allergic to, etc. Good luck. :)
2016-03-27 13:53:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good going girl! You have to show you are in command. Discuss their method of discipline and other routines. What to wear? Pants and a nice top, running shoes..The certificates are a yes, the dog picture is a maybe to a no. Why? Unless the kids know how to be around animals....Remember, you have to sell yourself with the knowledge that you can keep the kids busy and handle other light chores (with their help) plus know what to do in an emergency...Get together a information sheet about them, such as likes and dislikes of the kids, allergies, etc...
2006-09-27 09:38:42 · answer #4 · answered by Patches6 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hey I was a nanny for awhile and I did a lot of babysitting, and worked in daycare for the better part of my adult life. I would wear what you would usually wear, do bring your certificate and cpr certification with you. Also ask questions like, where should I go in a tornado, where are flash lights and candles. Any allergies you should be aware of. Emergency contaccts, questions like this make the parents feel that you are thinking about what u are doing and that will make them more comfortable leaving their kids with you. Good luck!!! Have fun !!
2006-09-27 12:27:14 · answer #5 · answered by Julie B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wear something decent. No belly showing or low cuts. A simple t shirt with jeans would be perfect.
Act.. like yourself! Dont hold back.
Definetly show them the certificate and inform them that you do have a first aid kid as well.. tell them you keep it in your backpack (and start to!)
No need to show pics of pets. Thats too desperate and irrelevant.
Parents also like it when babysitters do craft projects with the kids instead of watching tv. Tell them you are creative and artistic and want to teach the kids things.
And remember.. stick to everything you say you will do!
2006-09-27 09:31:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
coming from a parent, i would say that you need to act like yourself. don't go in there overeager.. this may scare them off. also, don't try to "prove" anything.. this may come off as being pushy and that you aren't sure of yourself... Just be prepared. Wear something that you would wear to any other interview. Dress nicely, and appropriately for the job.... Think about what you want to say and have a ready answer, but don't go in there unprepared. Just know that they are going to look at your personal experience as well as professional... have proof of both, and it should all work out.
good luck!
2006-09-27 09:30:15 · answer #7 · answered by Crystal 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can mention that you have taken a first aid class and that you have a dog...I would leave the documentation and picture at home. Dress casually, maybe a sweater and some nice pants (nothing too dressy). And relax, just be yourself, make sure to talk to the kids.
2006-09-27 09:30:46 · answer #8 · answered by Rwebgirl 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Just be yourself. If you act fake they will see right threw you. They probably want to see how you interact with there kids. So mabey show your picture of your dog to the kids.
2006-09-27 09:29:40 · answer #9 · answered by sr22racing 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
just be yourself, things will go fine
show them your certificate but dont show them the pic of your dog
2006-09-27 09:35:56 · answer #10 · answered by GAgirl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋