Questions to Ask Parents Before Accepting a Babysitting Job Before you agree to babysit for a new family, it is a good idea to get as much information as possible about the potential job. Many parents will want to conduct an interview with you, and this will give you an opportunity to ask questions of them as well, and to discuss the details of the babysitting arrangements. If possible, an interview should take place at their home, which will allow you to meet the children and get to know the family. Asking questions before beginning a new babysitting job will help prevent confusion or problems later on and will help you feel confident about what is expected of you. Here are some questions to ask before accepting a new babysitting job, either on the phone or in person during an interview: How many children will I be babysitting? What are their names and ages? What are the household rules? How would you like me to handle it if a child misbehaves? What time is bedtime and what is the bedtime routine? Do the children have any favorite stories, songs, or rituals that will help put them at ease? Will I be preparing any meals or snacks for the children? Are there any foods that should be avoided? Do the children have homework or chores to complete? If so, would you like me to help make sure these get done? Do the children have any allergies or medical conditions that I should be aware of? Are there any pets? If so, do they need to be fed? What are some of the children's favorite play activities? Are there any areas of the house that are off-limits or restricted? Would you like me to answer the phone? How can I reach you in case of an emergency? What are the hours of the babysitting job? How will I get to and from your home? Is there anything else I should know? Make sure you understand and feel comfortable with the responses to your questions. Not all babysitting jobs are the same, and some are more difficult than others. Asking questions gives you a chance to determine whether the job is right for you. You'll also find out what you need to know in order to be a great babysitter for the family. Next Up: How Much to Charge for Babysitting Other How-To-Guides How to Create a Babysitter Profile Babysitting Training & Certification Guide to Performing a Background Check Checklist for Working with a New Family How to Find a Job on BabySitters.com Searching for a Sitter Tips on Contacting a Sitter Interviewing a Potential Sitter Guide to Background Checks How to Create Your Profile Babysitting Certifications Tips for Finding a Job How Much to Charge for Sitting Guide on Posting a Job How Much to Pay Your Sitter Preparing a New Sitter Read the Babysitter's Pledge Questions to Ask Parents Working with a New Family Guide to Background Checks Read the Babysitter's Pledge

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