How to make yourself well-like by parents?

Here are the main points which parents consider when they call a babysitter. If you need to remember one piece of advice provided to you in this guide, remember that the attitude you have before, during and after babysitting is the most important.

Olivia, a long-time sitter offers her tips on being a great babysitter for Teen Health. Give them a read here. 

Tip number 1: Punctuality 

This is the most important rule to respect when working for a family. It is obvious that you will not satisfy parents if they could not be on time to work or if their child waited for you for a half an hour outside of the school. Similarly if they miss the first part of the film at the cinema because of you!

A good babysitter is flexible

Parents are very appreciative of being able call upon their favorite babysitter, even at the last minute. It might also happen that they ask you to come half an hour earlier or leaving half an hour later. Be as flexible as possible: If you have an engagement, it's fine, just let them know. But do not blame the parents for these last minute changes!

This is one of the most important quality of good babysitters, although it should not be abused.

While babysitting

A babysitter should always follow the instructions of the parents.

When you're babysitting, you have authority over children, but yes ........
you are not their parent. You must apply the rules the parents themselves apply and that they'll have explained; and not those that may seem best to you.

Safety above all.

You must watch over the children as though they were apple of your eye, after all you are the one in charge. Domestic accidents and dangers of the streets are real, be very vigilant about the safety of children.

Be able to calm children down.

You will have to know how to do it, children are capable of becoming intolerable when their parents are coming back. They were adorable all evening and poof, they become little monsters as soon as they hear the key in the lock.

A tidy house.

The children have taken out all their toys from the toy box before finally deciding to read a book. Take the time to explain to them that it's necessary to clean up the toys before reading the book. Help them to put away what they have taken out, but don't do it for them. If you can't, do your best to make sure the house is tidy when the parents return. There's nothing worse for them than to have to put everything in order when they get home. 

Make a summary of the day.

When the parents get back, take the time to give them a short summary of what happened during the day or evening. If there are any calls on their landline, make sure to write any message down for them.