Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Babysitters Extrodanaire!


Have you ever had a problem finding a qualified babysitter? One that had training is responsible, and is prepared for fun and emergencies? Do not worry any longer, the solution is here. This week a dozen youth have been trained and certified by our Robeson County 4-H program as babysitters.


Christy Strickland and Janice Fields, Family Consumer Science Extension Agents joined forces with 4-H to implement the 4-H/Army Babysitting Curriculum. Each child recieved a notebook with the guidebook, worksheets, and receipes from the training. The three day training started on Monday going over saftey tips, learning how to cook healthy, quick snacks and meals, and talking about the joys and lessons of babysitting.


Tuesday we spent most of the day learning and being certified in CPR. The youth worked hard to obtain their adult, child, and infant certification from the Red Cross. They said that was one of their favorite parts of the three days and they were very proud of this awesome accomplishment.


On Wednesday we talked about what was appropraite for different age groups, worked on holding and diapering babies, and worked on our first aid skills. Each youth also had the opportunity to make a "magic" babysitter bag. Each bag has toys and games for various ages, a first aid kit, and wipes to keep toys sanitary. the youth also had another chance to work in the kitchen and make a neat helathy snack and made their lunch for the day. We also talked about the business of babysitting, marketing and how much to charge for their expertise as babysitters. Before the day was over they also had the opportunity to complete role plays of various babysitting issues and brainstormed solutions together.


We hope to make a babysitter reference list from this group for parents who need babysitters in their communities and are looking for qualified applicants to choose from. In the meantime just know there are 12 more babysitters trained, and ready to go.

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