According to Parachute Canada, approximately 4,000 Canadians die each year due to poisoning, it is the third-leading cause of unintentional injury hospitalizations for Canadian children aged 14 and under. Nearly 210,000 calls were received by poison centres across Canada in 2018, and more than a third of these calls were related to children. Do you know that the leading cause …

Have a discussion with the parents prior to babysittingBefore babysitting for a new family, it is important to sit down with the parents and discuss their discipline techniques. Discipline techniques vary from family to family and also from child to child. The same discipline does not work on all children even if they come from the same family. Some children …

As a new babysitter, it is very important to have good references.   Every parent is looking for the best babysitter and references are really important for them to determine if they will hire you or not.  When a babysitter provides good references they are most likely to get the job.   But how do you get good references if you …

For some babysitters, finding a babysitting job can be difficult. Especially if you’ve just moved into a new place and you aren’t familiar with your neighbourhood. Here are some tips to find the best babysitting jobs: Always start by babysitting for families that you know, for example your siblings.If you have younger siblings, this is by far the best place …

Can my eldest child babysit their siblings?How do I know when my eldest child is ready to babysit their siblings?Is there a legal age for my children to stay home alone together?What house rules should I consider establishing to keep my children safe while staying home alone?What safety measures should I have in place to ensure my children will be …

RespectfulAs a babysitter, showing consideration and regard for someone or something is in fact showing admiration. Parents need a babysitter that will be respectful towards their children as well as their belongings.MatureIn most provinces there is no legal age to babysit, you just need to be mature enough to do so. Showing parents that you have the mental and emotional …

Preparing meals can be quite a task while babysitting.  Getting kids involved in making simple healthy meals and snacks can be fun!  Always ask the parents which kitchen appliances you are allowed to use and which ones are off limits.  It is best to limit the use of kitchen appliances while babysitting.  You can use the microwave to heat up …

You become more responsible. Babysitters have a lot of responsibilities while on the job. They must make sure the children are safe and follow the parents’ instructions. Babysitting helps you develop friendships amongst the families you are babysitting for. Babysitters create a special bond with the children and their families from spending time together.Babysitting helps you learn new skills.There are …

Are you an awesome babysitter? The best babysitters just don’t supervise children, they play fun games with them so the children will always want them to come back!   Before you begin babysitting, consider the age and gender of the children you are babysitting.  Try to think of games or activities that appeal to everyone.  Here are some ideas to …

Many parents wonder when their child should start babysitting. When deciding whether or not your child is ready to babysit, parents should consider the following key questions: Is my child comfortable staying home alone? One of the first signs parents should look for is the fact that if their child is comfortable staying home alone for a period of time, …