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What does a Babysitter do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A babysitter is a person who watches over children when the parents are not around. They make sure the children are safe, fed, and entertained.

Babysitter job duties include:

  • Arrive on time for the scheduled shift.
  • Greet the family upon arrival.
  • Get to know the children and their routines.
  • Prepare snacks and meals for the children.
  • Keep the children safe at all times.
  • Put the children to bed at the end of the night.
  • Perform light housekeeping duties as needed.
  • Engage the children in activities throughout the shift.
  • Read stories to the children before bedtime.
  • Remain calm and patient with the children at all times.

Babysitter Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for babysitters, although completing high school or a equivalent is generally preferred. Some families may require that their babysitter have CPR certification or experience in first aid. Most importantly, babysitters should have prior experience caring for children, which can be gained through paid jobs, volunteering, or personal experience.

Babysitter Skills

  • Patience
  • Creativity
  • Flexibility
  • Stamina
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to follow instructions
  • Good organizational skills
  • Punctuality
  • Reliability
  • Good people skills
  • Physical fitness
  • Experience with children

Related: Top Babysitter Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Babysitter

There are many qualities that a good babysitter must have. They must be responsible, patient, and able to think on their feet. They must also be able to keep a cool head in emergency situations.

The first step to becoming a babysitter is to get some experience. This can be done by volunteering to watch younger siblings or cousins. Once you have some experience, you can start advertising your services.

When meeting with potential clients, it is important to be professional. Be sure to dress appropriately and arrive on time for appointments. During the meeting, be sure to ask questions about the family's expectations and what the children's routine is like.

Once you have been hired, it is important to follow the family's rules and instructions. Be sure to keep the children safe at all times and never leave them unattended. If there are any problems, be sure to contact the parents right away.

Babysitting can be a rewarding experience. It is a great way to earn extra money and get some experience working with children. By following these tips, you can become a successful babysitter.

Related: Babysitter Resume Example

Related: Babysitter Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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