Chapter 2 Learning About Children 51
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Reading
Review
1. Why should babysitters visit the family before they babysit children for
the fi rst time?
2. What information should babysitters gather before the
parents leave?
3. What kind of an emergency might require a
babysitter to call the doctor before the parents?
On the Job
Following a few simple guidelines can help
you be a successful, reliable babysitter. When
you babysit, bring a notebook and pencil to
write instructions. Wear comfortable clothes
so you can play with the children. See 2-3.
Bring reading material or homework to
keep you busy after the children are asleep.
Do not get so involved in your reading or
homework, however, that you forget to check
on the children. Only use the phone when
necessary. This is not the time to be chatting
with friends, even when the children are in
bed. If you think you might want a snack,
bring one with you. Do not eat the family’s
food unless they invite you to do so.
Follow these tips to reduce behavior problems.
2-2
• Give children time to change from one activity to another. Play is important.
Children do not like to be interrupted. Warn a child fi ve or ten minutes
ahead of time.
• Use distraction to focus a child’s attention on something else. If a child
wants a book that he or she cannot have, offer another toy or book the child
likes and can have.
• Smile when a child’s behavior is good. Also, tell the child you approve of his
or her behavior. Smiles and words help a child feel good about pleasing you.
• Use questions to help a child know what you expect. If you expect a child
to pick up the toys when playtime is over, ask the child, “What are you
supposed to do when you are fi nished playing with your toys?”
• Plan enough activities to keep a child busy. Try to have activities that will
interest the child. A child may misbehave if he or she is bored. Remember
that a child’s attention span varies with different activities.
Guiding Children’s Behavior
When you babysit, plan some activities you
think the child might enjoy.
2-3