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What happens when you have no money? You need a job.
Some teenagers have tight schedules because of schoolwork, after- school activities, sports, etc., leaving them to believe that getting a job would be too difficult.
Some teens under age 16 believe they can't get a job because they're too young.
But baby-sitting is a common job for teens. Baby-sitting often fits with teens' schedules, because it is something that can be done at different times.
It's a great way to earn money. Most parents pay anywhere from $3 to $7 an hour.
Just like any occupation, there are requirements. Baby-sitting is a serious job. A baby sitter must keep the child safe and occupied. Entertaining and playing with the child plays a huge role in baby- sitting.
Parents usually look for a sitter with good qualities and a love for children to watch their kids, whether they are working or just looking to get out of the house for a while.
"It's nice to get out of the house with just my husband to go on dates," said Marioly Ambrose, mother of a 2-year-old son.
"I look for someone who is a good combination of fun and structure.
I want someone who would play with my son but discipline him when he does something bad," Ambrose said.
Baby sitters usually know what the parents expect from them, but do they know what the children expect?
Seth Schoenfelder, a fourth-grader at Cleveland Hill Elementary, is watched with his 6-year-old brother. This is what Seth says about baby sitters: "It depends if they are nice, mean, fun or interactive -- if the baby sitter even wants to be there. I like to know if they interact with you, or if they just want to be paid."
Many teenagers baby-sit for the money, but some also do it because they love children.
"I love being entertained by little kids," said Megan Heyden, a freshman at Alden High School. "I go on walks, listen to music, watch movies and create sundaes with the kids."
"Baby-sitting is a good job to consider as a teen. It gives you something to do, and it gives you money, and it's a good reference," Megan added.
"It teaches you responsibility, and you obtain a lot of experience," said Jessica Prible, a freshman at Depew High School.
In addition to learning responsibility, teens can learn about respect, love, nurturing, caring, instructing and discipline.
Here are some baby-sitting tips to keep in mind:
>Infants to toddlers
Infants and toddlers can be entertained with toys, movies and books. This age group needs the most attention.
They love being with their caretaker at all times. The hardest part with infants and toddlers is that they don't always like when their parents leave. Baby sitters need to try to calm the child down, assure the child the parents will return and try to distract the child.
>Children ages 4 to 7
Children from ages 4 to 7 usually can be entertained with their favorite things, and they are old enough to tell the sitter what they want to do. They often like to show off their bedrooms or their favorite toy. These children have started school, so they may need help with their homework, reading or writing. One hard thing for sitters watching kids in this age group is that sometimes they try to get away with things while their parents are gone. Baby sitters should check with the parents in advance for the rules the children should follow.
>Children ages 8 to 11
Children from the ages of 8 to 11 like to play board games or video games. They are more into the computer, playing video games or watching television. Baby sitters shouldn't let the children in this age group spend too much time doing these activities. These children like when the sitter plays a video game or watches a movie with them. A sitter also can help them with homework.
>Punctuality
Make sure you are on time! Sitters should get back to the parents as soon as possible after they get a request for baby-sitting.
>Above and beyond
Do things around the house that don't involve baby-sitting.
"After the kids go to sleep and you have nothing else to do, clean up the toys, finish off the dishes, etc. Those little things only take a few minutes, but they look good to the parents when they come home," said Ambrose.
Baby-sitting is a great job for teens, so go for it and have fun!
Hannah Gullo is a freshman at Depew High School.
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