Babysitting is a responsibility that always has room for perfection. There are many roles a babysitter forms into for a child: mom, nurse, playmate, etc. Babysitting is an important job that requires much responsibility and matureness, therefore, teenagers or young adults who step into the babysitting role need guidance to ensure smart and safe practices. 

Before age 12 or 13, mots youth are not mature enough nor have the decision making skills to be responsible for other children. In response to the need for well-educated potential babysitters, the Union County Cooperative Extension Service provided a three night babysitting class to 10 youth between the ages of 12 and 14. Agents and program assistant taught the curriculum “Kentucky 4-H Babysitting Basics 4 Fun and 4 Profit”. Youth were guided through the entirety of the curriculum learning multiple babysitting practices and management skills such as how to change a diaper, feed and bath a baby, how to play with a child, etc. Youth were taught the basics of infant growth stages and child development as well. With various skills and education taught, youth were given scenarios to see if they could handle different situations babysitters often are put in.  

A pre and posttest were given to the participants. At the conclusion of the three night class, 100% of you said they could demonstrate more responsibility and felt more confident caring for young children. When asked what the most important skill or knowledge they learned was, we received the following answers: how to care for children, to be more caring, how to act in a tense situations, how to handle an emergency, how to help a choking baby, and to stay calm always. 

The Union County Cooperative Extension Service is proud to say all 10 youth graduated from the babysitting course and feel more educated from the offered class.