How to be an awesome babysitter

Whether you’ve been babysitting for years or you’re just starting out, there are few things you can do to be an awesome babysitter. Here is a quick guide that will help make you the sitter at the top of everyone’s list.

Arrive early - There are usually special instructions that parents like to go over before they leave the house. If you arrive right when they asked you to, they might not have time to give you thorough instructions. Arriving 5 to 10 minutes is reasonable so they can give you instructions and you can ask questions. 

Turn the TV off - Yes, I know it’s easier to turn the TV on. The TV mesmerizes them and nothing can really go wrong when the TV is on - except that the parents won’t keep calling you back. If the parents hear that you got them involved in activities such as art projects or outdoor activities, the parents will feel like their money is being well spent.

Communicate - Make sure you know what the parents expect before they leave you with the kids. Make sure you are clear on what foods the kids can and cannot eat, when bed time is and anything else that you might not know about. Ask questions. You don’t want to have to send any texts or calls to bug the parents when there isn’t an emergency.

Be honest - Let the parents know whether you had a good day with the kids or not. If the kids were naughty, don't be afraid to tell the parents in a kind way. The parents will appreciate your honesty, and if they have a talk with the child maybe your experience will be a little be easier the next time.

Have fun - The parents will listen to their kids. If the kids don’t have fun, they will express that to their parents, and then the parents will find a new sitter. So try to interact and be creative with the kids so they will be excited to see you when you come over.

Photo courtesy of James Emery via Creative Commons

Sophia Grace and Rosie at the Grammys

If you haven't seen these ADORABLE girls that have been on Ellen you are missing out. Yes, I know this isn't about babysitting, but they are cute kids! Cute kids are relevant! They were first on Ellen to perform a Nicki Minaj song after being discovered on YouTube. Anyway Ellen sent them to the Grammys and they were hilarious! Check it out:

This is when Ellen tells them they are going to the Grammys:

I hope everyone had a happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine project inspiration from Pinterest

I love Pinterest and I love a cute project idea. I don't have any babysitting jobs lined up before Valentine's Day, so I won't get to try this project with the kids, but you certainly can. I tried to pick a project that required items that you might already have around the house like pipe cleaners and red felt.

But first, here is something I did make as an ornament for Christmas, but it works even better as a Valentine's Day craft. Here are instructions on how to make your own heart baskets.

All you need:
Two pieces of felt different colors
Scissors
Letters to personalize
Glue
Candy!

1. Cut one long oval shape from each piece of felt. Theses pieces should rounded edges. Make it about 8 inches by 3 inches.
2. Take one oval and fold it in half. Use your scissors to cut three slits on the folded side that are about an inch and half long.
3. Then set the folded pieces on on top of the other so that they make a heart shape. The round sides should be at the top. Start weaving the felt fingers in with each other. Each finger should weave over and under, over and under the fingers on the other piece of felt.
4. Once you finish this process, glue on some initials to personalize the Valentine heart basket.
5. Fill the mini-heart basket with candy and present it to your Valentine!

Cute YouTube clip: You're not the boss of me

Babysitting tip #4: Boo-boos!

Always make sure to ask the mom and dad where the first aid kit or first aid supplies are in the house. It’s not a fun time when you’re frantically looking for first aid supplies while a child is upset about their boo-boo. The time you spend looking can be better used comforting the child instead. I also like to keep a few Band Aids in my purse for this reason. In any case, it’s always good to ask before they parents take off. Here is a short list of essentials.

Check off list:

Emergency contact list

First aid supplies and/or

Band Aids

Antibiotic Ointment

What would you add to this list?

Photo courtesy glenmcbethlaw via Creative Commons

Octopus hands with Body Crayons

Aren't these octopus hands cute? I've posted about Body Crayons before when I made alligator hands. They are the perfect little helper for babysitters. I just bring them with me every now and then for a special treat.

Should you bring your boyfriend to babysit?

I have been a terrible blogger recently. The holidays and work have distracted me from updating my blog. I haven't even been babysitting much recently.

Jimmy Kimmel is evil!

I love the boy who says he is heartbroken because he got a Barbie. Jimmy Kimmel is bad, bad, bad!