Successful Part-Time Babysitting

Since we want to make use of our extra time, we tend to find part-time jobs which will help us earn a few dollars. The most common job that we often stumble upon is babysitting for others. This is usually available within our neighborhood or subdivision, and it is needed by busy professionals who need backup sitters for mildly sick children or for an evening out. Especially when we have children of our own, we feel qualified and we may find ourselves being approached by our neighbors.
Did you ever think looking over some five-year-old child as an easy task? Is it as easy as cooking a meal then telling them to wash up and go to sleep? I bet you would say yes but I assure you it is not as easy as it looks. Worry not, because here are a few tips for things you can do for successful babysitting. Make sure that you do all these things and the first one first.
1. Make an impression.  If it is your first time to babysit, it would be best to make an early good impression with the children. Make them feel that you are friendly and not the "kill joy" type of babysitter. If they think that you will be fun to play with and that you will let them eat treats, they will also befriend you back.
2. Be strict with your rules.  When you have already won their hearts, it is time to get the real work done. Be serious when you say they have to shower or that they have to brush their teeth, but make sure that you do not sound too demanding.  This way, they will not think that they are being "pushed" to do things. If they have their friends or your own kids with them, try to make them shower or brush their teeth together. Kids always love to do what everyone else is doing!
3. Give them treats. There will always be times when kids will resist your orders. Giving rewards or bargaining with treats is a great strategy. It is not bribery because bribery is rewarding others for bad behavior. This is rewarding them for good behavior. When this kind of situation happens, make sure the children truly follow through on what they are supposed to do before giving them treat. A treat does not need to be a bar of chocolate, but it could be a five-minute delay on their bedtime time or an extra turn at a game. 
4. Love your work. Without love for your work and for your kids, you will surely end up unsuccessful as a babysitter. You might even get bored which could lead you to sloppy care. Try to have as much fun as possible. Do this by preparing activities which you and the children can do together. Remember how fun it was to play when you were kid and get down and play like a kid again.
Babysitting is not only one of the most common part-time jobs you can take but it is one which can be the most rewarding. You get to work in a home environment and sometimes even your own home. You may at first find it stressful but for sure, at the end of the day, these children you are taking care of will leave a happy mark in your heart. They will be some special people you will never forget for the rest of your life.