Chapter 2 Learning About Children 49
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respond to an unacceptable behavior in a different way each time it occurs.
Treating children consistently helps teach them to behave in acceptable ways.
In relationships with children, limits, guidance, and discipline are used
with love. As a babysitter, fi nd out what the limits are. Also, fi nd out what
kind of guidance and discipline the parents want you to use to enforce them.
Keep Children Safe and Happy
You are expected to keep children safe and happy when you babysit.
Keeping them safe is a serious responsibility. Keeping children happy is
sometimes as hard as keeping them safe. Following parents’ instructions
will help you reach these goals.
Never leave babies and young children alone, unless they are asleep in
their beds. As they explore the world around them, accidents may occur.
Stay with children and watch them. Play games and talk with them.
When an accident or illness occurs, you may need help. Call the parents
or the doctor. Reliable babysitters are not afraid to ask for help. Keep the
emergency phone numbers beside the phone for easy reference.
Do not give children medicine without a parent’s or doctor’s consent.
If you think children may have taken medication on their own, call the
parents at once to tell them.
Keeping children happy may require extra patience. They may become
upset after their parents leave. Try to distract them. They will want to be
talked to and held. Playing games and reading stories can help, too. Ask
them to show you their favorite toys. Most children will become calm
within a short period of time.
Succeed in Succeed u c e i i n LLifeefi e
Keeping Children Safe
To keep children safe, you should follow these tips:
• Continuously watch over the infant or toddler in situations that pose any
risk of injury.
• Never leave infants alone on a changing table or bed.
• Never leave infants or toddlers alone in the bathtub.
• Keep medicines, cleaning products, poisons, and matches locked up and
out of the reach of children.
• Keep dangerous and breakable items, such as plastic bags and glass
decorations, out of the reach of children.
• Keep small children away from touching stovetops, radiators, space
heaters, sharp objects, or electric cords.
• Inspect all toys for small parts that children could swallow or sharp edges
that can cut them. Place them out of reach of the child.
• Use safety gates to keep children from climbing up and down stairs.
• Never leave children alone in the house, even for a short time.
• Check children often while they are sleeping and playing.
• Keep fi rst aid supplies and a fl ashlight handy in case of emergencies.