Tips to ease the trials of baby-sitting

Kimberley McGee

Monday, July 2, 2001 | 8:20 a.m.

For the best babysitting adventure -- with more whoops than whines -- the YMCA suggests that baby sitters follow these guidelines and consider these activities:

The children should trust you, so never fib about when the parents will return or promise they will be home by the child's bedtime. Instead, console them and tell them that their parents will be there when they wake up -- and distract them with games or toys.

Bag it. Make a mailbag and have the children write letters about what they would like to do the next time you baby-sit. Have them slip them in the mailbag and read them when you get home.

Parents love to return to a clean home and you can make it a game by including the children. Assign a "clean queen" for each room. The queen assigns simple tasks, such as picking up games, toys or dishes, to her servants, you and the other children. After each room, change queens.

While watching a toddler or infant, distract them by walking around the room pointing out objects. Or liven it up by hiding stuffed animals around the house and searching for them as if on a safari.

When children fight, don't panic. There are a few important rules: mediate, but have the children talk to each other, not you; they must talk about their feelings, not rehash what occurred; ask them to come up with a solution.

Dress for success. Don't wear necklaces or dangling earrings that babies and children can tug on. Wear comfortable clothes to get down on the floor and play with the children.

Set your rate. Most babysitters charge from $2.50 to $5 per hour depending on the number of children and hours involved.