Want to Be the Best Babysitter Ever Get Certified!

Want to Be the Best Babysitter Ever Get Certified! Photo courtesy of pixabay.com 1.  CPR: As an active babysitter myself, this is the most popular request I have received. The Red Cross offers courses, and there are many other online options as well. This certification does cost a bit of money, but if you have already signed up to babysit for someone, you may consider asking them to use part of your pay to pay for the course. It is very quick and easy, but it will help you gain trust in any family you babysit. 2.  First Aid:  Chances are that if you are CPR certified, you are also first aid certified. But if you choose to opt out of the CPR, the first aid certification is a good starting position that will still get you in many doors. This course will teach you the basic facts of caring for a child, such as how to treat simple cuts, how to perform the Heimlich maneuver, and how to stabilize a child until further help arrives. 3.  General Babysitter Certification:  Check out if there are any 4-H Clubs near you that offer babysitter certification services. These courses provide useful tips as to how to entertain children, what to do when children act up, and what to do in emergency situations. You can also receive your first-aid certification through the program. The clubs will often come to schools to conduct the certification, which will be one day a week for a month, but there are other options as well. If there is no 4-H near you, check for a Safe Sitter course. It offers many of the same things as 4-H. You can also find a similar course at your local YMCA. The top three certifications are the most important to have, as they directly relate to the safety of the children. There are, however, other steps you can take to further set yourself apart from other applicants and increase your credibility. Photo courtesy of pixabay.com 4.  Drivers License:  You will find that many parents want to hire someone that will be able to pick up/drop off their children at school or extracurricular activities. So, having your license (and access to a car) can prove a valuable asset. 5.  Lifeguard:  Especially for the summer, this certification is very valuable. Many families may have access to a pool club or public pool, and they will want someone who they can trust to swim with their children and help as needed. Of course, all of these places have lifeguards, but extra reassurance is never a problem. Furthermore, if these families have pools in the backyard, you will act as the one and only lifeguard. 6.  Pet Care:  Pets are common in family households, so parents like you to be comfortable around them. Whats even better, however, is if you can take care of the pets. Its actually possible to become certified in pet sitting. If you own a pet yourself, that may be enough, but it can never hurt to be over prepared. 7.  Nutrition:  Consider taking some nutrition classes or a Cooking 101 session. These will give you more credibility when a parent wants someone that can prepare meals for their children. If your school does not offer a class, or if it cant fit in your schedule, keep an eye out for events going on locally. There are many opportunities you may not realize were ever out there. 8.  Tutoring:  Being a certified tutor can also play to your advantage. It shows that you are able to work well with children in addition to being an academically strong candidate. While not all of these certifications are necessary, nor does having them necessarily mean that you will get the job, they will certainly provide an advantage over a disadvantage. Most parents are willing to give you a chance if you show that you are responsible. Think back to your favorite babysitters and what you liked about them, and aspire to be like them. At the same time, do not forget that babysitting is not always fun and games. You should be prepared for anything and know how to respond. With everyone wanting a babysitting job these days, consider going the extra mile with these certifications to seal the deal.