Always be respectful of the lifestyle and culture of the family you work for
It can be anything from cultural practices to the foods they eat to preferred behaviors like taking off their shoes at the door. Show respect for how the family behaves.
Get safety training
We all know that accidents and injuries can happen – and they certainly will, no matter how conscientious you are. You need to be able to deal with any cuts and scrapes, as well as more serious problems.
Know all the intricacies of child care if you plan to be a nanny for a new-born
Basic knowledge of baby care – including how to change a diaper, how to bottle feed, what to do when a baby cries, and safety precautions – is important to understand if you’re babysitting. Therefore, you should not be hired as a nanny or babysitter for a newborn until you have relevant practical experience.
Know how to prevent and manage children’s behavior
When it comes to childcare, experience and practice in childcare courses can also help you prepare for difficult behavioral situations that may arise.
Know emergency contacts
Be sure to have the numbers of the children’s parents and, in case of emergency, a list of all the numbers you might need.
Practice the basics of childcare
The prospective nanny should be able to handle the basics of childcare, which include supervising safety, preparing meals and snacks, assisting with hygiene, changing diapers, and arranging age-appropriate activities and games.
If you are a beginner, then it is recommended to take a babysitting course, which, among other things, covers the basics of work. Even better, paid or volunteer work, such as summer camp or preschool, where you get hands-on experience caring for children and managing a wide variety of situations.
Include knowledge about children in the game, considering their age for a nanny or babysitter
How you interact with and care for your child may depend on age. An infant, toddler, preschooler, and toddler will communicate differently and have different needs.
Understanding different ages will also help identify and avoid household hazards for young children and infants, such as open dresser drawers or small items that can be dangerous. This is where classes as well as experience with children will give you a ton of know-how.
Learn the rules of the family and follow them
Before you start babysitting, learn the basic rules of the family you will be working with. Write them down so you have a kind of cheat sheet that you can refer to as you work. These are the details that you should discuss with your parents in advance when interviewing for a job.
They should include questions:
- What kind of children are they?
- What they can’t eat?
- What activities are prohibited?
- Is there an allergy?
- What time should they go to bed, etc?
