Happy Holidays!

BABYSITTING – just the mention of babysitting and my little sister says, “I’m not a baby”. My parents then give her the same speech about how we know she’s not a baby, but, while they are gone I’m in charge. It usually works out pretty good. Actually, we get along much better when my parents are gone, as long as I don’t call her a baby.

SURVEY - I surveyed some of my friends, the ones that actually baby-sit, because most of them don’t. Of the ones that do baby-sit, they are mostly watching family members, their younger siblings; however, that is where their situation is different from mine. Their siblings don’t seem to listen as well to them when their parents are gone. So, when they do have the opportunity to watch children outside of the family, it’s actually something they look forward to.

PAY – whatever you’re willing to pay me. None of them have a set amount that they charge, they leave it up to the adults to give them, hopefully, a decent amount of pay for their service, and it does vary. Not one of them gets paid to watch their brothers or sisters; this is where I can relate because I don’t either. Now, this is funny, my mom claims her and my aunt used to baby-sit their nieces and nephews, watching them over night and only get paid $5 each. This can’t be true, I think it’s just one of her “when I was your age” stories.

FRIENDS – I like to take a friend with me when I go to someone else’s house to baby-sit, however, you really need to give this some thought and take the right person. You don’t want to take a friend that isn’t going to help out, what’s the point? Don’t take a friend who wants to get on the phone and call friends or plop down in front of the TV and play video games the whole time. I take a friend that helps me and we split the money, this seems to work out well. We have fun with the kids, while making money.

ACTIVITIES – this usually consists of whatever the kids want to do, that is reasonable, of course. On my last babysitting job the family had an indoor pool and I was thinking this is going to be fun, of course, the pool room was locked so that activity was out. Normally, if you put in a good movie that will keep the kids entertained for a while, until they bring out the barbies, play dough, coloring books & crayons, puzzles, or their favorite books. It’s important that they like you and are having fun if you want to be called back.

For next month’s article I would like to hear what you did over your winter break. I know that this is probably our favorite time of the year because we are out of school and get to spend time with our family and friends, and celebrate the holidays or just having time off from the grind of school. My friends and I celebrate Christmas which is a very important religious holiday for Christians.

So, be sure to write in and tell me all the exciting things you did during your break. For instance, which movies did you see? I can’t wait to see Meet The Fockers. Did you have any sleepovers, go sled riding, or, how many things did you have to take back to the mall to exchange. You know you’ll have to; it’s part of the season of giving and receiving and a really great reason for going to the mall with your friends. ENJOY!

Talk To You Next Month
Arielle

Logan Reports from the Garden State

Hello again from Northern Jersey!

I know most of you out there have either babysat once in your life or have at least been asked to by a neighbor or family member. Around here it is very varied for the amount of time my friends baby-sit. I baby-sit occasionally, some of my friends baby-sit almost every weekend, and some of my friends don’t even look after their own brother or sister! We all know it’s a tough decision between babysitting and earning some money, or going out with your friends. How do you know what the right choice is? Well, we really don’t.

One solution to this problem is babysitting maybe once or twice a month. This way, you can still earn a little money for yourself and also have time to be with your friends. Another way to handle this situation is to ask a friend to baby-sit with you. When the children go to sleep you’ll have somebody to be with and get to enjoy your friend’s company.

A few weeks ago my friend asked me to baby-sit with her for her neighbor, so I said sure, why not! I figured it would be easy since there was only one child to watch. Boy, was I wrong! The rest of the family was going to their cousin’s Bar Mitzvah so they were planning to be out until 1:00 AM. We knew that we would be there for over six hours. We figured that the little boy would go to sleep early and we would just hang out for the rest of the night. Before his mother walked out the door she forewarned us that he might cry because it was the first time she had ever left him home alone with sitters who were not immediate family members. Man, was she right! As soon as she stepped out the door Jacob, the 5 year old boy, was crying his little eyes out.

My friend and I tried to entertain him so he wouldn’t cry. Eventually, we were successful. He forgot about his parents and he was having a good time. We then realized that he was coughing a lot. At first, we didn’t think it was anything serious. However, after about five hours of coughing, we figured out that there definitely a problem. He coughed everywhere; on us, on his food, on our food. I mean everywhere! Later that night he cried himself to sleep, convinced that his parents were never coming home. Of course, his parents did return home to their son. We reported to them that their son had been coughing a lot. Then the mother mentioned that he and his two sisters were out of school the entire week due to coughing. She paid us and we left.

That was quite an experience! Although I did earn some money and I learned to be patient with a crying child, the experience gave me something I had not expected…a cough, one that lasted for more than two weeks.

Some thoughts and tips I have about babysitting are to invite a friend, bring some games, or figure out something interesting to do instead of spending hours in front of the TV or playing video games. Also, I think it is a very good idea to take a babysitting course and become a certified babysitter. I took the course in one day with a few of my friends. Now I am all set to baby-sit whenever I’m needed!

If you have any stories or tips about babysitting e-mail us soon and let us know!

Logan

 

Logan,

Can you please explain what a bar mitzvah is?

Thank you, Kathy (from Ohio)

Answer: Hey Kathy,

A bar mitzvah is a Jewish tradition for young adults when they turn 13. In the Jewish religion when you turn 13, you are then considered an adult. There is a service for the religious part, where the boy or girl reads from the torah and then most people have a party afterwards to celebrate with their friends and family.

Thank you for your question.
-Logan

Hello Out There! Time for that much awaited second column! I have asked tons of people around town and even out of state, on their opinions on the subject of… tada! Baby Sitting! I am sure that many of you have an outside job, whether it be washing the car or even working at Chic-Fil-A. If you do not, and still need money for that must-get band T-shirt, I think a babysitting job is a great start (and no, it isn’t just a girl job ^ ^). Its all about the kids, and its a great way to make money even while having a great time! Try it, like it, and spread the knowledge. Most people mooch off others for money, when it’s all the easier to make some yourself (and then mooch ^ ^ ).

Well, in this article, we have some advice from an experienced sitter, who also happens to be an awesome friend. Here are some babysitting tips from Lauren!

Being a babysitter is all about responsibility. You have kids that you have to keep safe and also entertained. If you want to be the best at babysitting in your community, you should try to follow these simple rules:

#1. Always be prepared
#2. Always focus on the kids
#3. Have a “game-plan”

Being prepared is crucial for babysitting. The first step that I would recommend before accepting a babysitting job would be to meet the family. Knowing if you can handle the kids should be how you decide if you want the job or not. Once you do get a babysitting job you MUST remember to ask for a list of emergency numbers. They should include the following numbers:

#1. Local emergency number (usually 911, check to be sure)
#2. Local fire department
#3. Local police
#4. Local poison control center

Other important numbers should include:

#5. Parents’ cell phone or beeper number (if they have one)
#6. Neighbors
#7. Children’s close relatives
#8. Children’s doctor

Ask the parents which number to call first. Be sure to find out if the child has any allergies.

Here are some of my own tips:

Music sets the mood. You could try playing some soothing music when its getting time for them to settle down, or some crazy music when its time for cleanup. The kids will definitely want to cooperate more if they are having fun.

And of course, come prepared. The munchkins most likely have already played with everything they have at home, so see if your little siblings will let you borrow some old crazy toys to bring with you. It will be something new for them, so they will most likely stay entertained for quite a while.

This might seem like much, but just remember, it's all about having fun with the kids and making sure that they are safe and behave. It doesn't have to be a drag, and soon after you'll have some change in your pocket for that T-shirt.

Until next time,

Alanna

Babysitting can be difficult at times. Children can be rude and disrespectful. Try bringing a friend along. Someone who will help you take care of the kids and keep you company at the same time. It helps you relax. Trust me.

In St. Lucia, after the mother has given birth she lies in bed for eight days. She then drinks a tea called tee-zan, a mixture of different bushes, leaves and sour oranges that the mid- wife gathers. In the baby’s first months, it is properly cared for. While the mother is at work, her family, the father’s family as well as everyone in the village nurtures the young infant.

As I collected data, I realized that the average days and hours that kids our age baby sit per month is two days or about ten hours. We generally receive seven dollars (eastern currency) per hour. The worst problems we encounter are troublesome and mischievous children. Advice on how to handle the problems comes from close family and friends.

When it comes to babysitting your siblings. Most teenagers said they baby sit their brothers and sisters too much. It’s considered a chore not a job. Their younger siblings treat them with respect while other children could care less.

From babysitting , we mostly learn responsibility and the role of a parent. Our advise to you is to be patient and understanding. Think smart and think like an adult and be sure to follow advice from your close family and friends.

Until next time! Your island neighbors,

Geneva & Sheridan

Thank you for the article on babysitting. I find it quite interesting that after a mom gives birth to a baby there she gets to stay in bed for 8 days. Here in the States, mom's give birth and are sent home from the hospital after 1 or 2 days. I think resting in bed for 8 days is a much better idea.

I am curious, what is the tea for? I love to drink tea. When I was in the hospital after having my babies, I ordered tea every morning
and had a hot cup of tea before feeding the baby. I always remember that time of having hot tea brought to me and feeling so pampered.

Thanks for your information.

Sandi

Here in St. Lucia, people say that the tea cleanses the inside of your body. It takes all the impurities out of your system.

Thank you for your question.

Geneva and Sheridan

Question: Thanks Geneva and Sheridan,

In paragraph #4, you state, "They're younger siblings treat them with respect while other children could care less." Are you saying that when you watch other people's children, they are disrespectful while your own brothers and sisters are respectful. In the American culture it's just the opposite. So I want to make sure that's what you mean.

Thank you,

Debra

Answer: Dear Debra

You were right. We did use that word wrong. What we meant to say is that a sitter has more authority over their younger siblings. They can spank them if they feel it is needed. With other children they do not have permission to do that. But I’m going to be honest. Even if they told their parents about a sibling’s inappropriate behavior, some would deny it. Some children are just SPOILED and get away with inappropriate behavior while being watched by an older sibling . Thank you for your question.

Geneva and Sheridan

Digital Teen Advisor - Digital Debra

I enjoy listening to teens and working with them. They are creative, talented, and fun.

Mark Twain said, "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." The teens I know have inspired me to try new things and to believe in my dreams. I hope this Teen's Column can do the same for them. Debra Young