When Babysitting Goes Outside
When you think of babysitting, whether you are the babysitter or the parent, do you consider whether or not the children will be outside while they are in your care or the care of the sitter?
In many parts of the country and in many parts of the world for that matter, the weather can change often from hour to hour. A bright sunny day can change quickly to a stormy afternoon complete with thunder and lightning. A snowstorm can break way to a clear blue sunny sky. Warm summer air can drop numerous degrees in a matter of minutes with a sudden gust of wind from an approaching cold front.
“What does this have to do with babysitting?”
When you are babysitting, YOU are in charge of taking care of the children. Protecting them from sun, cold, rain etc. is your job. Parents are busy people. They have thousands of things to remember between working and/or taking care of the house, and caring for their kids with their often overloaded schedules and just plain daily maintenance! If Mrs. Jones has left for work for the day and forgot to leave the sunscreen out, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t want you to put sunscreen on the children before taking them outside. However, you do need to discuss this with parents and get their permission.
Some parents may not want you applying sunscreen to their children. Perhaps one of them is allergic to sunscreen. Maybe the mother prefers to do it herself so she’s sure you haven’t missed a spot. Whatever the reason may be is not important. Making sure you follow the parents request is! Keep in mind though, that you also need to think wisely. For instance, if a parent says she doesn’t want you to use sunscreen on her children, then taking them to the playground between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on a hot summer day is not a good idea.
Lots of children love the outdoors. They love to play in the dirt with rocks and sticks, they like to dig in the sand, and they love to explore nature. But, many of them prefer not to wear a jacket regardless of the temperature. This is another instance where the sitter is required to use her best judgement. Just because a child says they aren’t cold, doesn’t mean they should be allowed to run around without a jacket on a cold day. If there are puddles outside or the ground is wet and muddy, the kids need to wear boots. If their hands and fingers are red after being outside just a short time, they need mittens or gloves. If it is raining or snowing, they need hats or hoods.
Adhering to parent’s requests and using your best judgement as well, will help to keep the children you are caring for safe and healthy.
As an added measure, keep a bottle of hypoallergenic sunscreen, a pair of kids mittens, and a small travel size umbrella in your babysitting kit! Always try to be prepared for anything!
Lisa McLellan, Child Care Expert
Tags: babysitting and weather
January 23rd, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Another good topic. Sometimes, it’s so easy to forget the basics. Thanks!
January 26th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Hi Babysitting Lady,
indeed, and even some of the simplest protection from the elements can matter for children in your care as a babysitter.
What wonderful pointers for babysitters, nannies, and anyone caring for children on behalf of the parents.
Happy Dating and Relationships,
April Braswell
Single Boomer Dating Expert
February 5th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Lisa,
More great advice. Your knowledge of the job and art of babysitting seems limitless.
You are so right about kids wanting to play outside without a jacket no matter what the temperature is. It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to make sure the child dresses appropriately.
Health, Fitness for Working People — Darryl Pace