Taking care of children can be challenging, especially if you are new to the job. Even if you’re a teen or young adult who enjoys being around children, being a babysitter can be stressful due to a variety of unforeseeable events. While some parents may be willing to hire you if you have never babysat before, training to become a babysitter can help you be more prepared for your job. Training makes you more employable because parents know they’re entrusting their children to capable hands.
Babysitter training is available at a number of local parks and recreation centers, as well as organizations such as the YMCA and volunteer centers. The first and most important step is to obtain training and certification in infant and child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This can be done as part of a babysitter training course or as a stand-alone course.
In order to become certified in infant and child CPR, you may need to be at least 18 years old. Even if you are unable to obtain certification due to your age, you should still enroll in the course and attend a refresher course once a year. Hopefully, nothing bad or dangerous will occur while you are watching, but if it does, you will be able to assist a child who is choking or has stopped breathing. Self-defense classes are also a good idea, especially if you’re going on outings with your kids rather than just watching them at home.
Other types of training for becoming a babysitter, particularly in babysitter classes, can make your job easier. Classes can cover topics such as how to entertain children, what disciplinary measures to use and when not to use them, how to break up sibling fights, and the standard care and entertainment requirements of each age group. If you’re going to be watching young children, for example, you’ll need to know how to properly feed babies and change diapers. If you’re not used to cooking, you might want to enroll in some basic cooking classes.
If you don’t have access to babysitting classes in your area, enlist the help of other moms who need childcare or your own parents if you have younger siblings. Working as a mother’s helper can help you gain experience in childsitting and childcare. Most mothers would be delighted to have you look after their child while they do some light housework or take a shower. They’re also available to answer questions or give instructions on how to do some of the things you need to know. Working as a mother’s helper has prepared you to work independently when the opportunity arises.
Although you do not need training to become a babysitter, your childsitting services will likely be in higher demand if you can demonstrate that you will provide the best possible care to children through classes or experience. As you gain experience in your field, don’t forget to ask your parents for references that you can give to others who may be considering hiring you.