Back To School Safety

August 23, 2012 Leave a Comment

It’s Back to School Season again & as a babysitter you may or may not have to pick up the kids from school, or you may meet them at the house. Either way here are a few safety tips from classbrain.com for back to school safety:

Car Safety

Please be sure everyone is properly seat-belted into your vehicle before putting the car into gear. Younger kids should be in car seats or booster seats, and they should sit in the back seat if they are under 12 years old. For a complete set of safety tips check our child transportation safety tips.
Drop kids as close to the school as possible. If the school has a drop off area, be sure to use it. Do not set a bad example by dropping them in a dangerous location. If the kids are young, wait until they are in the school yard or building before you leave.

Bike Safety

Please teach your kids that bikes have rules to follow, just like cars. Each year there are children injured or killed, because they are riding on the wrong side of the street, they fail to stop at a stop sign, or the fail to follow some other rule of the road. Don’t forget their helmets! It’s not only safe, it’s the law.

Walking to School the Safe Way
Plan the route your kids are going to take if they are walking to school. It is important to try to minimize the number of streets they have to cross. Keep it as simple as possible. Then, do a dry run with your kids. You should have them do it at least once on their own before the first day of school, so they feel comfortable. Teach your kids to keep away from vacant lots, fields, and any other locations that have few people around.
Also, please make sure that your kids do not walk alone, especially if they are young.

Family Meeting Spot
Make sure to pick out a family meeting spot that can be used in case of an emergency. Parents with kids in middle school and high school should make sure they do not forget this. When there is a crisis, things get confusing. If they know where they are supposed to meet you, you will both be more calm when you need it.

Stranger Safety

Teach your kids not to talk to strangers. They should not accept presents or rides from them. Also, be sure to pick a family password. This word will be used if someone different is picking them up from school, sports, or other locations. It should be a weird word, like spaghetti. One that someone would not be able to guess. If too many people have heard your word, change it!

We at SeekingSitters hope that all of your back to school babysitting jobs are safe and fun!!

It’s Back to School Season again & as a babysitter you may or may not have to pick up the kids you babysit at school, or you may meet them at the house. Either way here are a few safety tips from classbrain.com for back to school safety:
Car Safety
Please be sure everyone is properly seat-belted into your vehicle before putting the car into gear. Younger kids should be in car seats or booster seats, and they should sit in the back seat if they are under 12 years old. For a complete set of safety tips check our child transportation safety tips.
Drop kids as close to the school as possible. If the school has a drop off area, be sure to use it. Do not set a bad example by dropping them in a dangerous location. If the kids are young, wait until they are in the school yard or building before you leave.

Bike Safety
Please teach your kids that bikes have rules to follow, just like cars. Each year there are children injured or killed, because they are riding on the wrong side of the street, they fail to stop at a stop sign, or the fail to follow some other rule of the road. Don’t forget their helmets! It’s not only safe, it’s the law.
Walking to School the Safe Way
Plan the route your kids are going to take if they are walking to school. It is important to try to minimize the number of streets they have to cross. Keep it as simple as possible. Then, do a dry run with your kids. You should have them do it at least once on their own before the first day of school, so they feel comfortable. Teach your kids to keep away from vacant lots, fields, and any other locations that have few people around.
Also, please make sure that your kids do not walk alone, especially if they are young.
Family Meeting Spot
Make sure to pick out a family meeting spot that can be used in case of an emergency. Parents with kids in middle school and high school should make sure they do not forget this. When there is a crisis, things get confusing. If they know where they are supposed to meet you, you will both be more calm when you need it.

Stranger Safety
Teach your kids not to talk to strangers. They should not accept presents or rides from them. Also, be sure to pick a family password. This word will be used if someone different is picking them up from school, sports, or other locations. It should be a weird word, like spaghetti. One that someone would not be able to guess. If too many people have heard your word, change it!

We at SeekingSitters hope that all of your back to school babysitting jobs are safe & fun!!

Filed Under: Babysitting Tips, Parent Tips, Safety & First Aid, Tips for Sitters Tagged With: ,

Tips For A New College Student

August 16, 2012 Leave a Comment

Whether you are going to college for the first time, or you’re just headed back to school after a summer break full of babysitting, we found these tips listed on universitylanguage.com to be worth taking note!

1. Meet people.

The first week of college is when you’re likely to make the friends that will stick around for your entire college career (and hopefully long after that!). Take advantage of this opportunity to get friendly with your college roommate, as well as your neighbors. Keep your dorm room door open so that anyone can pop in and say hello, and do some meet-and-greets yourself! Lots of freshmen mill around the dorms in the first few days of college looking to meet new people and make new friends. Bring a doorstop or something heavy to hold the door open, and people will know you’re welcoming visitors.

2. Find the perfect study spot.

As you’ll realize even more in college, being comfortable is an important study tip. College campuses have countless places that you can escape to for some uninterrupted study time. Whether that’s a nook in the stacks, a shady patch on the quad or a local cafe, it’s up to you to find it — and now is the perfect time, so you’ll be prepared when that first test rolls around.

3. Go to class (and be prepared)!

Though this may seem like an obvious one, you’d be surprised how many students choose to skip the first few classes of college, thinking that the real lessons won’t begin until later. Well, they couldn’t be more wrong! On the first day of college, your professors will probably review the syllabus and talk about the plan for the semester. They’re also likely to list their office hours and contact information. Be sure to bring a notebook and pen with you so you can jot down this important information. Some professors also start lecturing on the first day, so it’s critical to come prepared.

4. Buy your books.

As soon as you know what textbooks you need, go out and buy them during the first week of college, so you can start on your reading assignments right away. Falling behind and not knowing what’s going on in class is not a great way to begin college!

College is a lot more fast-paced than high school. Assigned reading begins right away, and professors will not be sympathetic to your excuses. By the second class, you should have your textbook purchased and your assignments completed. Also, books can sell out, so whether you’re planning on purchasing them in the campus bookstore or ordering them online, it’s best to do so as soon as possible.

5. Find a good grocery store.

Now that you’re living on your own (and don’t have a fridge that magically restocks itself), you’re going to have to learn to feed yourself. At some point during your first week of college, go out and find the nearest (and cheapest) grocery store. Even if you are on a meal plan, it’s a good idea to keep a stockpile of food in your room, as you may miss a meal, have a late-night craving or simply get sick of the dining hall offerings.

6. Fill out your calendar.

Once you’ve gone to all your classes and learned about the requirements of each, jot down all of your major deadlines for the semester in a planner or calendar. Presentations? Term papers? Exams? It’s important to know when all of them are (particularly in relation to each other) so that you can manage your time effectively.

7. Get familiar with your campus.

Unless you paid incredibly close attention on your campus tour, chances are you’re still a little unsure where everything is on campus. In your first week of college, spend some time walking around and finding the buildings your classes are held in, your friends’ dorms and the library. It’s particularly important to find your classrooms before the first day of classes, as this can often be a challenge. Instead of wandering around the day of, take a quick tour the day before classes start to find out exactly where you need to be. You’ll be stress-free on the first day, and what’s more, you’ll be sure to arrive to class on time and snag a good seat!

8. Relax and enjoy yourself.

Your first week of college will be packed with exciting classes, meetings and events –- it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all of the things going on. Make sure you take time to relax and enjoy it! Meet your roommates for lunch in the dining hall or have a cup of coffee at that cool off-campus cafe. Your college will probably offer a bunch of freshman orientation events and gatherings throughout the first week of college, so take the opportunity to make the most of them and share your stories with new friends who just went through the very same thing.

We decided to suggest one more tip: try to find a flexible part-time job. We suggest trying to find a job on-campus, since they already know you have classes, and studying! Ask any upper classmen you meet where they found their first college job!

Another great flexible job is with SeekingSitters. SeekingSitters allows you to create your own schedule, & that is great for college students!



Filed Under: A Sitter's Life, Jobs with SeekingSitters, Tips for Sitters Tagged With: ,

Back To School Craft : Decorated Pencils

August 9, 2012 Leave a Comment

Wondering what crafts the kids you babysit will love this time of year? Why not try getting them excited to go back to school with a super fun back to school craft! Nothing is better than having the coolest school gear to show off to all of your friends after summer break, & you will be the instant favorite babysitter! We found this fun craft on MarthaStewart.com

 

To create one, a kid winds extra-thin tape around a plain pencil, paints it, and then unwraps the tape. Each design has a personality all its own: A pencil with parallel stripes, for instance, makes math homework fun, while dreamy blue spirals are lovely for writing secrets in a journal.

Pencil How-To

You will need 1/16- to 1/8-inch-wide skinny masking tape, depending on the desired stripe size; acrylic paints; and plain pencils. Natural-color cedar pencils work well. Begin by wrapping tape around pencil; try a candy-cane design, or wrap in individual circles for parallel lines. Paint over whole pencil generously with acrylic paint. When paint is dry, remove tape. Kids can make different styles by varying tape size, wrapping tape in different ways, and painting alternating colors between bands.

 

SeekingSitters wishes you all a fun back to school season!

Filed Under: Activities, Crafts, Tips for Sitters Tagged With: , ,

Splash Safety Tips

July 26, 2012 Leave a Comment

When it gets really hot outside, taking the kids you babysit swimming can be a good way to entertain the kids as well as a way to keep cool from the summer heat. Although swimming is a great summer activity to do during the summer, you must always make sure you have taken the necessary safety precautions while the kids go swimming. Whether you are taking the kids you babysit to a neighborhood pool or babysitting at a house that has a pool, here are some safety measures from about.com you can take to ensure the safety of the kids you babysit.

Pool Safety

Never leave a child unsupervised near a pool.

Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.

Never use a pool with its pool cover partially in place, since children may become entrapped under it. Remove the cover completely.

Keep toys away from the pool area because a young child playing with the toys could accidentally fall in the water.

Have a telephone at poolside to avoid having to leave children unattended in or near the pool to answer a telephone elsewhere. Keep emergency numbers at the poolside telephone.

Diving Safety

Never dive into above-ground pools.

Don’t dive from the side of an in-ground pool. Enter the water feet first.

Dive only from the end of the diving board and not from the sides.

Dive with your hands in front of you and always steer up immediately upon entering the water to avoid hitting the bottom or sides of the pool.

 

Summer is a very exciting time with so many fun activities to do. This summer make sure that you are aware of all of the safety measures you need to take during summer activities, so that you can keep the kids you babysit safe and having fun.

Filed Under: Safety & First Aid, Tips for Sitters Tagged With: , , ,

Summer Safety Tips

May 5, 2012 Leave a Comment

There are many things about being a babysitter during the summer to look forward to including; taking the kids to the park, going swimming and going on bike rides.  Although all these activities are extremely fun, you must make sure to pack some necessary items to keep the kids you babysit safe during outdoor activities. The following is a list of items you need to pack in your babysitter bag this coming summer.

  • Sunblock
  • A bottle of Mosquito repellent
  • Band-aids
  • Neosporin
  • A couple of bottles of Gatorade
Along with having these items handy, you also need to take necessary precautions to keep the kids safe outdoors this summer. The following is a list of precautions you can take using the items in your babysitter bag to keep the kids safe.
  • Apply sunblock and/or mosquito repellent every 2 hours
  • Take regular Gatorade and water breaks
  • Do not leave the children unsupervised in the swimming pool
  • Do not let the children ride their bikes or skateboard without your supervision
This summer is going to be tons of fun especially when you babysit great kids. Just remember to take precautions and follow proper safety measures during outdoor activities. SeekingSitters wants to wish you a fun and safe summer!
Filed Under: Babysitting Tips, Safety & First Aid, Tips for Sitters Tagged With: , ,

Babysitting S.T.Y.L.E.- Check out this great book!

January 12, 2012 Leave a Comment

Babysitting S.T.Y.L.E.- A Complete Guide for Babysitting Success

Have you been looking for a great babysitting resource? Look no further! SeekingSitters has published a NEW book!

Babysitting S.T.Y.L.E.- A Complete Guide for Babysitting Success is a designed to educate parents and babysitters to help them protect children at home and online. Also, the book has craft ideas, Family Information Guide to provide information for babysitters, and Babysitting success tips.

SeekingSitters had a their first annual Sitter Scholarship Contest. Certified Professional Sitters nationwide could enter the Scholarship Contest by submitting a babysitting experience they have had while working through SeekingSitters. 20 stories were chosen for a Scholarship prize of $50.00 and one sitter story was chosen as the Grand Prize winner-winning $500.00! The Top 20 sitter stories can be found in the new book- each story is heartfelt and reflects how much SeekingSitters babysitters enjoy working in childcare.

The Babysitting S.T.Y.L.E. book is packed full of great babysitting tips and activities! You can purchase your copy for just $10.00 on BabysitterProducts.com!

Filed Under: Activities, Babysitting Tips, Crafts, Games, Parent Tips, Safety & First Aid, Tips for Sitters Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

New Year! Goals for 2012

January 5, 2012 Leave a Comment

It is a New Year! Have you made goals for 2012? Post some of your goals- we’d love to hear what you have planned for 2012.

With the New Year comes new opportunities, new ideas, new babysitting jobs, and so much more! When New Year’s Even come around- it is time for reflecting the past year and getting ready for the year to come. Try setting goals for the next year and work each week to achieve those goal. Success doesn’t happen overnight. To reach goal- it takes time and persistence.

First, set some long-term goals for the year. Next, set a few short-term goals that will help to achieve the long-term goals you have set. It is good to set short-term goals or “steps” to help achieve the long-term goals. Setting short-term goals will help make achieving your long-term goals look less monstrous.

As babysitters, it is fun to set goals for each babysitting event. While sitting for a family- you can set goals for the day, just like a day schedule. Setting a schedule for the day helps keep everyone keep the same goals in mind. Have the children help set the “goals” or day schedule so that they feel that they have part in the activities they do. You can even have the children draw pictures for each item on the schedule-show what activities and meal times they will have.

Hope each of you have a fabulous 2012! Set some long-term goals for yourself and don’t forget to post them for us!

Filed Under: A Sitter's Life, Tips for Sitters Tagged With: , , ,

It’s Time for FALL

October 7, 2011 Leave a Comment

Autumn is such a great time of year- sipping hot cocoa on Saturday mornings, the smell of potato soup on the stove and marathon Uno games in the evenings after dinner. It seems like more memories are made during the cooler weather because everyone is inside playing together. With more time spent indoors and at home, there were also more opportunities to do things that required one on one activities with parents and siblings.

The same holds true in babysitting. With limited time to go to the zoo, park, swimming and playing with friends, we have the perfect opportunity to pull out our trusty STYLE bag and create new memories with a little creativity and a lot of skills. October is the best month to test your creativity. Between pumpkin carving, playing dress up and cooking experiments, nothing increases creativity and imagination like Halloween. Keep in mind however, Halloween isn’t for everyone! The age of the children, religious preferences and past experiences can all affect the family’s decision to allow Halloween related activities in their home. So before you drag out the fake blood and coloring pictures of Dracula, here are some tips in creating a safe babysitting event.

1. Call the family to confirm. Use this important time to gather information about the sitting event and the families preferences when it comes to Halloween. Ask if coloring pages and dress up clothes are appropriate for the family and most importantly, listen to the family and respect their wishes.

2. Practice allowing children to play dress up. Let them see themselves in front of a mirror every step of the way. As the put on each piece of their costume, talk about how their friends are doing the same thing. Keep in mind that Halloween is all about perception. Most children ages 3-5 years cannot grasp the idea that the “creature” standing in front of them is really just Bobby from down the street wearing different hair, clothes and a creepy mask. Instead, they view Bobby as scary and dangerous.

3. Substitute “fall activities” instead of Halloween activities. Babysitters from across the nation shared their favorite fall activities in our September newsletter. Check out these activities and as well as your own to create activities based around the fall season. Children can see the changing world and have a better understanding of what is real when it is tangible.

4. Better safe than sorry. If you are not able to confirm with the family or to talk about the event ahead of time, plan simple activities that can be done all year long. Bring board games, cards, play dough and paint to the event and see what fun you can create. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much fun these old standard activities can bring to the event.

Have a fabulous October!

Happy Sitting!

Filed Under: Crafts, Games, Jobs with SeekingSitters, Tips for Sitters

Tips for Sharing Books

July 7, 2011 Leave a Comment

33653318Books create a special bond between babysitters and children. Books can enhance children’s listening skills, help them learn to read, introduce them to new concepts and even help calm fussy children. As shown in a previous article, Fun Summer Reading, trips to the public library can be extremely rewarding.

Here are a few tips for sharing “Book Time” while at home with the children in your care.

1. Find a comfortable place to sit away from distractions. Turn off the television, put away video games or computers. Just piling several pillows in the corner of a room and sitting on the floor makes a wonderful “nook” to read.

2. If you babysit often for the children, set aside a special time when you share books. Maybe before nap time, bedtime or after an afternoon snack.

3. If the children cannot read the words themselves, engage them in the story. Hold the book so the children can clearly see the pages. Speak slowly with a clear, steady pace and use inflection in your voice. Children love it when you actually use different voices for each character in the story. Have the children point out objects, discuss the pictures and even point to words if they are beginning readers.

4. Allow the children to select books, but come prepared with several of your own.

Beth Anderson, educator in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma shares some suggestions:

“With children under the age of 3, I recommend board books. These books have sturdy pages that are nearly indestructible. Many popular books such as Goodnight Moon, Dr. Seuss’s ABC: The Amazing Alphabet Book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and Brown Bear, Brown Bear come in a board book version. The fun thing about collecting a few of these board books to bring when you babysit is that children this age love to hear the same stories over and over again,” says Beth.

“You can check these same beloved titles out at a local library for children ages 4-7 and rotate 3-4 different books each time you visit,” continues Beth. “The children will look forward to asking you what books you brought as a surprise. Children at this age are beginning readers and by age 6 some children will be able to read these books to you. Many of these books are available in Spanish as well. Check your local library.”

“If you are babysitting children above the age of 8, I recommend starting a chapter book such as the Junie B. Jones series, A to Z Mysteries or the Captain Underpants series. Even though these children are of reading age, all children love to be read to. Chapter books give them something to look forward to continuing each time you visit,” says Beth.

Being enthusiastic about books and sharing them with the children in your care will foster a bond, help to ease anxiety and grow excitement for an activity you can share together!

 

Filed Under: Activities, Babysitting Tips, Tips for Sitters Tagged With: , ,

Fun Summer Reading

June 21, 2011 Leave a Comment

Kids love to read during the summer…right? Well maybe not… if they have to sit quietly in their room and are told to do it, most likely you will see a little bit of resistance to the subject of READING. But that is ok, there is a solution to keep kids actively reading during the summer!

Most public libraries across the United States have a free summer reading program. A summer reading program consists of reading a certain amount of books to receive a prize. Usually kids receive a medal when they complete a reading program, plus other goodies such as local coupons, tickets to sporting events, and amusement park tickets. Summer reading programs last through the summer, so the kids can read at their own pace.

As a babysitter, you should want to inspire kids imagination with creative tactics. Utilize your local public library to keep kids intellectually alert during the summer.

Take a trip to the library each week to pick out a new book! Kids can choose their favorite subject to read. Kids will be excited to know that they will receive a prize when they complete the program. Babysitters can make summer reading fun and exciting!

Find a Public Library in your area.

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