5 Crucial Questions You Need to Ask Parents Before Babysitting

Are you getting ready for a babysitting job? There are some important questions you need to ask parents when you arrive to ensure a safe and smooth experience.


Crucial questions to ask before babysitting

Watch our video post on YouTube for a more in-depth discussion on this topic. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more helpful tips and advice!


Babysitting can be a fun and great way to earn extra money, but preparation is vital. Asking the right questions beforehand can ensure you have a great day or evening with the children you're caring for.

1. What Are the Children's Routines?

First, you need to know the children's routines. If you're there during the day, you should know any activities, games, and TV time allowed. If you're there in the evening, you should know dinner time, bottles, and the bedtime routine. Knowing these routines and what the children expect will ensure a smooth babysitting experience.

Key points to cover include:

  • Daily schedule: School, playtime, and meals.

  • What do they eat, when, and what do they like to eat most?

  • Bedtime routine: Bath time, storytime, and what time bedtime is.

Ask the parents to provide detailed instructions about these things to keep the kids on track and everything moving smoothly.


2. Are There Any Allergies or Medical Conditions You Should Know About?

Ask about any food allergies and what foods should be avoided in the home. Also, inquire about medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or any illnesses the children have.

Ensure you know where the medications, EpiPens, and anything else you need to keep the children safe while caring for them are. Always have an emergency number on hand in case you need it.


3. What Are the House Rules?

For children specifically, you'll want to know things like:

  • Screen time: Are the children allowed to watch TV? If so, how long? What about iPads and phones?

  • Snacks: Get the parent's approval and know which snacks are approved and which are not.

  • Playtime: Are you playing indoors, in a playroom, outside in the backyard? Are you allowed to go to the park? What are the rules for playtime, and where are you allowed to take the children?


4. What Are the Emergency Contacts and Procedures?

Knowing where to go and what to do if something happens is important. Make sure you have:

  • Emergency contact numbers: Parents' names and phone numbers, neighbours' names and phone numbers, and maybe grandparents or family nearby who can help in an emergency.

  • Emergency procedures: Where's the first aid kit? What are the procedures if there's a fire? Where should you go, and what should you do?

  • Local emergency numbers: 911 if you're in North America, but fire, police, and poison control are all great numbers to have at your fingertips.

It's always better to be prepared than scrambling in an emergency.


5. What Activities Are Planned and Allowed?

This will help you plan your day and know what's coming. A few things to think about in this area are:

  • Planned activities: Crafts, games, or activities that the parents have prepared for you to do while you're babysitting the children.

  • Allowed activities: What can they do alone versus supervised, like jumping on the trampoline, playing outside, or watching TV.

  • Activity supplies: Where can you find the craft materials? What are you allowed to use and not use? And where should those activities be done? Is the kitchen table okay? Or do they have a craft room where you can only do these activities?

  • Visitors: Are other children allowed to come over? Do they have friends who might stop by? Do neighbours come over and play in the backyard every day? You want to know who's allowed to come over and who's not.

Having a conversation with parents and discussing the questions in this post will help create a smooth environment for your day with the kids.


Looking for a rewarding career as a professional Nanny in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto or Ottawa? Join our pool of extraordinary, occasional Nannies for our in-home Babysitting service! Get started here.

We can also help you find permanent nanny positions through our sister site, The Nanny Solution, which is dedicated to fullβ€”and part-time nanny placements.

Previous
Previous

How to Ease Anxiety About Your Nanny Following House Rules: 5 Simple Tips for Peace of Mind

Next
Next

Thriving as an Occasional Nanny: How to Handle Families Without Set Routines