Is Your Tween Ready to Babysit?

Hi all,

I'm trying to expand this blog to cover information that will appeal and offer helpful information to parents with older children, not just preschool. So whether you have an infant, toddler, preschooler, or older child, keep checking my blog for all things parenting. 

Today, I'm focusing on Tweens. Has your child asked you about starting to babysit? Here is a helpful checklist to give to your tween to see if he/she can answer these questions. Is the job right for them? Let's find out!

Happy Parenting,
Tania

BABYSITTING:  ARE YOU READY FOR THIS RESPONSIBLE JOB?

During the tween years, it’s normal to begin your first paying jobs: mowing lawns, walking dogs, or babysitting.  These activities help to build a sense of independence as well as teach the importance of scheduling, dependability and managing finances.  Babysitting is more than watching small children while their parents are away from home; it’s a real job that demands responsibility and full-time attention.  Can you handle this task? Below is a checklist to see if this job is for you! 

§  Are you comfortable staying alone?  It’s important to be at ease being alone at home, both during daylight and nighttime hours.  If you’re nervous about staying home alone, you may not be ready to be alone in someone else’s home and responsible for other children. Some tweens may be okay during the day, but become apprehensive after dark.  In this case, begin with daytime babysitting only.

§  How do you relate to younger children?  Do you treat children with patience and compassion?  Can you take command of situations that require guidance or supervision?  Do younger children respond to you positively?

§  Can you handle unexpected or emergency situations?  Are you able to stay calm and proceed wisely in a crisis?  Preparing a plan of action and learning basic emergency procedures can be helpful in handling unexpected situations that may arise.

§  Are you skilled in the basics of childcare?  Do you know how to hold, feed, and change baby’s diapers?  Can you soothe a crying child who woke up with a bad dream, misses her parents or has fallen during play?  If you feel apprehensive with very young children, maybe sitting with older children would be wise until you gain more experience.

§  Can you handle the business of babysitting?  Babysitting is a job that requires interaction with parents as well as children.  Be businesslike and explain the days and hours you are available.  What you charge per hour.  Try to arrange a visit prior to babysitting to meet the children.  Make arrangements for transportation to and from the job.

If you answer yes to these questions babysitting can be a rewarding experience. Go on to the Internet for babysitting safety tips.  Babysitting Safety Tips

Photo courtesy of Tania Cowling, all rights reserved

Valentine Crafts for the Young

It's coming on February 14th. Time to get started on Valentine crafts. Here are a few to try.

I know your children make Valentines in school and daycare, but there is nothing like getting out the art supplies and creating memorable decorations and gifts with your little one at home. This is something I cherished with my children and now my grandkids. Kids are only young once, savor every moment.

CD Photo Magnet—


This is a project you and your child can make for gifts and recipients can truly enjoy.  Recycle old CD’s (or the ones you get in the mail). Glue a picture of your child on the front, in the center.  With a colorful paint pen, write, “Your Love Makes My Heart Sing” around the disk. Decorate with cute little hearts, drawn freehand or you can use stickers. Attach a small piece of adhesive magnetic tape to the backside of the disk. This tape is easily found in craft stores.  Just think; this project idea can be used for multiple holidays—just by changing colors and decorative designs.  It’s also a craft project that older children may enjoy making themselves!

Everybody Loves A T-Shirt!

How about one with meaning? You can use this technique on canvas bags, baseball caps, and hand towels too. Use your imagination and have fun!  With a fabric paint marker write, “Behind every hand is a heart that loves Dad” (or Grandma, or whomever the shirt is for).  Gently paint the hands of your child with fabric paint and press them on any area of the shirt.  Use a variety of colors and allow the shirt to dry.  Make sure to wash your child’s hands thoroughly.  For an added touch, date the shirt with a laundry marker or fabric paint marker.

Making Tie-Dyed Valentines—

A tie-dyed print doesn’t have to be messy.  Here is a way to get this same effect using simple art materials.  Flatten a white coffee filter and place it onto a sheet of cardboard or anything that will protect your table.  Invite your child to draw Valentine designs (actually scribbles will do) onto the filter with washable color markers covering a vast surface.  Fold the filter into quarters and dip it into cold water for just a second.  Your child will be amazed as he/she sees the colors blend.  Open the filter and lay it flat to dry.  When completely dry, show your child how to cut hearts from this unique paper.

Spend quality time bonding and making memorable crafts for this holiday. They are fun too!

Happy Parenting,

Tania  

Contact me for republication of any part of this blog post with a link back to Creative Preschool Time