Ah, the good old days, when babysitters were paid a mere dollar an hour for each child. I once had a dad who compensated me in nickels! But don’t feel sorry for me; I often balanced things out by sneaking a few sips of their top-shelf liquor. Fast forward to today, and the babysitting landscape has changed dramatically. With inflation, a simple night out can cost as much as my first car, and I often tap into my kids’ college fund just to keep up.
So, aspiring sitters, here’s how to elevate your babysitting game and earn your place in every family’s heart.
- Communicate Clearly. I often feel like today’s teens have lost the ability to converse. A recent chat with a babysitter went like this:
“So, how were the kids tonight? Did they eat all their pizza rolls?”
Cue awkward gestures instead of words.
Please, I need to know you can communicate effectively in case of an emergency. - Be Proactive. I usually text my sitters a heads up: “Hey! We’re on our way home!” What I really mean is, “Quick! Clean up and hide anything questionable!” While I don’t expect a deep clean, tidying up toys and dishes will definitely earn you a repeat gig.
- Make Yourself at Home. I’m trusting you with my most cherished treasures—my children. I want you to feel comfortable enough to kick back and engage with them. If you need something, don’t hesitate to explore the kitchen. But please, don’t touch my Skinny Pop; that’s off-limits!
- Stay Engaged. I used to think teenagers were glued to their phones, but apparently, they have other priorities, like scrolling through social media. A timely response to my babysitting requests would save us both a lot of hassle. If you can’t make it, do me a solid and recommend another babysitter.
- Keep Me Updated. I tend to be a bit of a control freak and appreciate regular updates. A quick text or a picture showing the kids enjoying themselves would really put my mind at ease. However, be mindful that not all parents want to hear from you, so gauge their preferences.
- Share Your Perspective. I may feel ancient, but I want to hear about your life—your style, music, and everything in between. Let’s chat about your summer concerts, and I promise to act impressed when I show you my moves, like the stanky leg!
- Wrap It Up Nicely. Parents love hearing stories about their kids’ adventures. When I come home, regale me with tales of their antics. Even if they were little terrors, embellish a bit! I won’t remember the details in the morning anyway.
Thank you for caring for our kids; we genuinely appreciate your help. We just need you to be amazing—though not so incredible that the kids forget us!
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Summary
Becoming a beloved babysitter involves effective communication, being proactive, creating a relaxed environment, staying engaged with the kids, providing updates to parents, sharing your youthful insights, and ending on a positive note. By following these tips, you can secure a spot in every family’s heart while enjoying the fun of babysitting.