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I really enjoy babysitting and I highly recommend it if you
want to earn some money and get to know American families. My favorite
ages to sit for are ages 2-1/2 to 8.
Here are some of my ideas for what to do with
the children:
- Play games.
- Read a book.
- Go outside and play.
- Tell them about Russia (or your home country).
- Teach them some Russian (or your home language).
- Watch TV together.
- Paint (check with parents first).
- Do some crafts.
- Listen to music.
- Do studies in a fun form.
- Play with toys.
- Try to make your time with them useful for both of you.
- Tell or make up stories.
- Go for a walk (always leave a note and stay close to home).
- I also suggest that you contact your local Red Cross and take
a CPR class. Nothing should ever come up, but it is good information
to have and it can help parents feel more comfortable.
- Make sure you keep a calendar, because once a few people get
your number and the kids ask Mom & Dad for you to babysit, your
calendar will fill up.
- It is good to have a friend who you know is good with kids,
to whom you can refer parents when you are busy. That way, parents
will call you first.
- A tough question is what to charge. I suggest you start your
first few times at an affordable rate, maybe $3.00 or $4.00 per
hour, and as your schedule fills up, people who are happy with
your services will naturally pay more.
- Make sure you address with the parents if you will be getting
yourself to and from their home, or if they are picking you up.
If you have to get yourself there, plan ahead; you don't want
to wait until the last minute to ask you host parents or friends
for a ride.
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