How do I babysit 7 year old and 10 year old siblings?

Ask these reasonable questions of your neighbor. How old are you?

You should make a list of questions for the parents. It’s the only way to know for sure what is expected of you.

Im 15. oh, and Im also CPR and first aid certified,

I’ll add this…if you’re worried it will be awkward then it will be. The kids are 7 and 10. They’re both boys. Whig means they probably hang out with each other. They’re most likely used to playing together. So why not ask them what they usually like to do for fun. Maybe they like video games. Join in whatever they’re doing. Or just hang back and watch them. Everything will fall into place.

Just don’t let them kill each other.

@ItalianPrincess1217 hmmm. yea, that sounds reasonable… :)
. i want to know how kids at that age are, what sort of things should i do with him, what should i do if they start acting out and all these other babysittting tips. thanks.

Oh, and they have a dog….im not quite sure if the parents will be taking him…butmost likely not…

Ask the parents to leave you a schedule for the evening. It will indicate if the boys need to shower or bathe. My six year old showers by himself, so I would imagine a seven year old could as well. You’ll also know what time they should go to bed, what they need to do for chores, etc.

Whenever I babysat, the parents would either have dinner ready or have some simple thing for me to make. If you want to be hired for future babysitting jobs, make sure you clean up from dinner. Put the dishes in the dishwasher, clean the pots and pans, and wipe up any spills or crumbs. The parents will really appreciate that, even if they tell you not to worry about cleaning up. You can also make sure the boys clean up after themselves.

As far as entertainment goes, ask the parents what the boys are allowed to do. They may have limits on TV or video games, or may be expected to read before going to bed. If the mom and dad say just to have fun, throw in a movie and make some popcorn. Play board games with them. If they really just want to play with each other, stay nearby and supervise. Don’t talk on the phone with your friends or invite anyone over, no matter what!

One of the hardest things might be to get the kids to see you as being in charge, not just being there to play with. Be firm, and explain that you can have a good time if they agree to listen and follow the house rules. Be clear that any problems will be reported to the parents. Other than that, use common sense. If they are fighting over a toy or game, give them five minutes to work it out peacefully. If they can’t, take away whatever they are fighting over. Send them to their rooms if they can’t behave or won’t listen to you.

I’m sure if there’s anything you need to do for the dog, they’ll also tell you that. I’d hope that the oldest child at least would be responsible for pet care, but if not, they’ll leave you with instructions. Make sure they also leave you important phone numbers, like their cell numbers and their doctor’s number. It might be helpful if they give you the number of a family member in the area in case you can’t reach them.

If all else fails, call in your parents for back-up. When I first started babysitting, sometimes I would call my mom with a question. The kids are old enough to tell you what they want to do, and you’re old enough to tell if they are lying. If they say they are allowed to play on the roof, I’m sure you’ll know that’s not true.

@MissAusten WOW!! this really helps! Thanks!! :) Would both the boys be interested in board games? should I find some games to bring over?

@MissAusten GA!

@smile1 If you have an uncommon board game or activity that they aren’t likely to have, I’d bring it (as long as it’s reasonable for their age group, and doesn’t make a mess). Novelty is a great way to get them interested, and it will help pass the time.

hmm. ok. :) you think they would be interested if i learn some magic card tricks before hand?

@smile1 They very well might, though it’s hard to say. If you do that, I’d ask them if the want to learn some magic tricks… not just watch you do some. That way you could do the tricks a time or two, and then teach them how to do it, too! I think that would be interesting for kids that age. I’m sure you’ll do a great job. :)

step 1: turn on the tv or xbox.
step 2: sit back and relax.

They are young boys; exhaust them in the back yard with a game of frisbee or touch football.

(in reference to @J0E )... actually, if you let them kill each other, that’s one (or two, rather) less kids that you have to worry about babysitting.

(It’s fewer kids)

thanks guys!!! today has gone really well!!

it might have been a bit boring for the kids though…because at times we couldnt find anything to do…

oh, is $40 reasonable for 5 hours? Im kind of feelign its over the top….a bit too much…because the older one did help out A LOT!

Two kids for five hours @ $40 is $4 per hour per kid is a steal for the parents (but it was your first job. Get a little more experience and you can raise your rates.)

Looking back, can you think of other things to do for next time? Wax the kitchen floor, repaint a bathroom, play stick ball, make brownies?

Congratulations on a successful evening.

oh awesome!! :)

totally make brownies… :D