2torial #0865:
Learn2 Be a Good Babysitter (continued)

Deal with meals and bedtime

Follow parents' instructions for what the kids can eat, and when, and when they should go to bed.

Some general guidelines are:

• Feed kids simple foods, like cereal, sandwiches, or scrambled eggs.

• Seat them only when the food is ready, so they don't get too restless.

• Don't play games with kids while they're eating--it can distract them from actually eating.

• If they've eaten something but don't want to finish their meal, trying to force them probably won't get you far. Tell the parents later how much the kids ate and ask how they'd like you to handle this in the future.

• Be gentle but firm about bedtime. Turn off the television and help the kids get ready.

• If they keep getting up, keep leading them calmly back to bed. Eventually they'll stay there. Again, tell the parents about any problem and ask how they'd like you to handle it next time.

About babies. If you don't really know how to feed, bathe, and diaper babies, you should take a class before you're left alone in charge of one. Alternatively, ask an experienced sitter or a baby's parent to show you what to do. Just be sure you're clear on everything they show you, and that you're comfortable doing it all yourself.