SO YOU WANT TO BABY-SIT Prepare yourself

Just because you think you're pretty cool with kids, that doesn't mean you're ready to take responsibility for them.
KNIGHT RIDDER/TRIBUNE
Maybe you've been baby-sitting forever, or maybe you just landed your very first job baby-sitting for your cousin. Whether you're an old pro or just starting out, baby-sitting is a fun way to spend some time with kids while making some extra money.
If you're new to baby-sitting, check out this guide to learn how to be the best baby-sitter around. Been baby-sitting forever and think you have it down? Read on for a quick refresher course, just to be sure.
RULE 1: BE PREPARED
We borrowed this motto from the Boy Scouts, but we knew they wouldn't mind: It's the rule for anyone who wants to know what to do in an emergency. Most baby-sitting jobs are a breeze and nothing goes wrong, but for the rare times when an emergency does happen, you want to be ready to handle it. Be sure you know the following:
Emergency numbers. These include:
UThe local emergency number (911 in a lot of areas, but check to be sure)
UThe number for the fire department that covers the area in which you're baby-sitting (if different from the local emergency number)
UThe number for the police covering the area in which you're baby-sitting (if different from the local emergency number)
UThe number for the local poison control center
A lot of parents have these numbers posted by the phone or on the fridge; if not, ask.
Other important numbers:
UParents' cell phone or beeper number (if they have one); if not, the number for the place they'll be
UPhone numbers for a few trusted neighbors
UPhone numbers of any relatives who live in the area
UPhone number for the children's doctor
Ask the parent which number he or she wants you to call first. If there's a serious medical emergency, the best practice is to call 911 first, but if it's a less serious situation, such as cuts or scrapes, a parent may want you to call him or her before calling the doctor.
Medical information. Is a child taking medicine? Do any kids have asthma? What about allergies? Parents should give you information about a child's medical conditions so you know what to do in an emergency.
Where you are. Sounds basic, but it's so basic that many people forget to make sure they know the correct address of the house they're in. You may know it's the green house four houses down from yours, but that won't help the fire department in an emergency. Many parents post their address and phone number with the emergency numbers, but if you don't see it, ask.
Fire safety procedures. Every family should have a fire escape plan with more than one exit from the home, as well as a designated meeting place outside the house or apartment building. Be sure that both you and the children know them.
Lifesaving techniques. It's a good idea to learn basic first aid (which includes the Heimlich maneuver for choking) and infant and child CPR before embarking on your baby-sitting career. Discuss this with your parents, because you'll have to attend courses and make a real commitment to learn these lifesaving procedures. Check with your local hospital, YMCA, or Red Cross; they often offer baby-sitting courses that include training in these areas. Some high schools do, too.
RULE 2: KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT
Every family you baby-sit for will be a little different. Having an idea of what to expect can make your baby-sitting experience safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Know the family and the neighborhood. Your safety is as important as the safety of the kids you'll be watching. If this is a first baby-sitting job or you're just starting out, make sure you or your parents know and trust the family you're baby-sitting for. Give your parents the address and phone number of where you'll be.
It can feel strange to be in charge of an unfamiliar home, so help yourself feel more secure by locking windows and doors after the parents leave. Don't answer the door to strangers and never tell telephone callers that you are alone. If there is an answering machine at the house where you are baby-sitting, use it to screen callers you don't know.
Know the kids you'll be baby-sitting. Of course, baby-sitting a 2-month-old baby is pretty different from baby-sitting a 10-year-old kid. Know the ages of the kids ahead of time. If you don't feel comfortable baby-sitting a newborn, for example, then don't take the job. You need to feel you're in control, and if you're unsure, it's better to wait for the next job.
Know how many kids you'll be baby-sitting. You think you're baby-sitting for the Simon twins, but when you arrive you also see their two 5-year-old cousins and a 7-year-old friend. Perhaps you're not ready to take care of five small kids at once. Most adults aren't! So ask ahead of time how many kids there will be. If you arrive and there are too many kids, say something to the parents. They may let you call a friend to help, or they may call and ask another baby-sitter to join you. And if you get loaded up with too many kids again, cross the family off your baby-sitting list.
Know how you'll get home. Make sure that you have a ride home from your baby-sitting job. Don't wait until the last minute -- check before you leave your house to make sure that a parent or sibling can pick you up at the right time. If the parents you're baby-sitting for agree to take you home, that's great, but don't assume that they can or will.
Eating, bathing, homework, and other fun stuff. You need to know exactly what's expected of you. It's not unusual for parents to want you to feed the kids, give them a bath, or help them with their homework before you put them to bed. Plus, make sure you know if the kids have any special requirements, such as food allergies.
RULE 3: STAY FOCUSED ON THE KIDS AT ALL TIMES
It doesn't matter how short or how long your baby-sitting assignment is. As long as you're in charge of children, your job is to baby-sit -- and nothing else. Naturally, this doesn't mean that you can't go to the bathroom. But otherwise, you should be with the kids every minute they are awake. Keeping an eye on everyone means you'll be less likely to need those emergency numbers.
This rule is especially important if you're giving kids a bath. Never leave a child unattended in the tub, even for a minute; small children can drown in as little as an inch of water.
If the phone rings, let the answering machine pick it up, or let the caller call back. And if you have a bashful kid who's embarrassed to be naked, draw the shower curtain to give him or her some privacy. You could also bring a magazine into the bathroom with you and & quot;read & quot; while the child takes a bath, covering your face if you have to.
Once the kids are in bed, you are free to do what you want -- within the parents' guidelines. Most parents will say it's fine to watch TV or movies or to talk on the phone. Just remember to keep calls from the family's phone local and short, in case the parents try to call and check on the kids.
Some parents may say it's OK to have a friend come over after the kids are asleep, but you should definitely ask beforehand if a friend can visit to avoid problems.
Even if a child is in bed, be aware that he or she may need you. It's a good idea to check on the kids every half hour or so.
XSource: TeensHealth.org