Babysitting Basics (for teens)

Maybe you've been babysitting forever and have lots of neighborhood families on your list. Maybe you just landed your very first job babysitting for your cousin. Whether you're an old pro or just starting out, babysitting is a fun way to spend some time with kids while making some extra money.

Being a babysitter is all about responsibility. As long as you're on the job, you're in charge. Not only do you have to make sure the kids are happy, you have to make sure they're safe and that their needs are taken care of.

If you're new to babysitting, check out this guide to learn how to be the best babysitter around. Been babysitting forever and think you have it down? Read on for a quick refresher course in babysitting basics, just to be sure.

Rule #1: Be Prepared

We borrowed this motto from the Boy Scouts, but we knew they wouldn't mind: It's the rule for anyone who wants to know what to do in an emergency. Most babysitting jobs are a breeze and nothing goes wrong - except maybe for an occasional fight over the last orange popsicle. But for the rare times when an emergency does happen, you want to be ready to handle it. Be sure you know the following:

Emergency numbers. These include:

• the local emergency number (911 in a lot of areas, but check to be sure)
• the number for the fire department that covers the area in which you're babysitting (if different from the local emergency number)
• the number for the police covering the area in which you're babysitting (if different from the local emergency number)
• the number for the local poison control center

A lot of parents have these numbers posted by the phone or on the fridge; if not, ask.

Other important numbers. Ask parents to also leave these numbers:

• parent's cell phone or beeper number (if they have one); if not, the number for the place they'll be
• phone numbers for a few trusted neighbors
• phone numbers of any relatives who live in the area
• phone number for the children's doctor

Ask the parent which number he or she wants you to call first. If there's a serious medical emergency, the best practice is to call 911 first, but if it's a less serious situation, such as cuts or scrapes, a parent may want you to call him or her before calling the doctor. Find out what the parent's preferences are.

Medical information. Is a child taking medicine? Do any kids have asthma? What about allergies? Parents should give you information about a child's medical conditions so you know what to do in an emergency. For example, if the child is allergic to bee stings, you will want to know where the parents keep the kid's epinephrine shot (a pen-like device that gives a shot of fast-acting medication that can save the life of someone with severe allergies). The parent should also train you in how to use the shot on the child - it's easy if you know how to do it.

Where you are. Sounds basic, but it's so basic that many people forget to make sure they know the correct address of the house they're in. You may know it's the green house four houses down from yours, but that won't help the fire department in an emergency. It's also easy to forget small details like a street name or number when you're caught up in an emergency - some people even forget their own address. Many parents post their address and phone number with the emergency numbers, but if you don't see it, ask. You won't sound stupid, and they'll appreciate how on the ball you are.