1.

You're playful

Parents want a babysitter with a good imagination who can create games, activities and crafts.
They don't want babysitters plopping their children in front of the TV. A playful personality
shows parents that you genuinely care about fostering a healthy, fun and active environment for
their kids.

2. You're active

Kids are high energy and are constantly on the go. A babysitter needs to match that energy and
must come prepared for however the day or night unfolds.

3. You're responsible

A reliable babysitter is every parent's dream. Parents want a sitter whom they can depend on,
someone they can trust and someone who is capable of responsibly caring for their children.

4. You have experience

Babysitting is not as easy as people think. It takes preparation, confidence and skill.

Having babysitting experience allows you to gain the skills you need. Parents want sitters who
know how to think on their feet when unplanned circumstances arise, stay coolheaded when a
child is upset or injured and negotiate arguments over toys and games. Having real-life situations
where your skills are challenged allows you to learn to make the best decisions while you're on
the job.  If you're just starting out, you might want to consider first getting experience you as
a mother's helper.

5. You're flexible

Parents appreciate a sitter who can roll with the punches. This may mean being open about
scheduling, fair about pay rates or easygoing about nights that run later than expected. You don't
want parents to take advantage of your time, but you should understand that plans change. Being
flexible will earn you big points with the bosses. Of course, you should still make sure you're not
being underpaid by using the Babysitter Rates Calculator as a reference.
6. You're a teacher

Babysitters, like teachers, are part tutor and part mentor and they also engage children, address
concerns in a constructive manner and act as role models. By helping with homework, you show
parents you care about their kid's performance in school; by helping them work through their
issues with friends, teammates or classmates, you show parents you are compassionate about
their kid's feelings.

7. You're sensitive

People who work with children are sensitive and put the kids' needs, and yes, usually their wants
and wishes, before their own. As a babysitter, you may not always want to play this game or read
that book, but you should want to do whatever makes the children happy. Same goes for their
feelings and emotions — even when the child is expressing a feeling you may not understand,
you must always respond to the child in a loving and helpful manner. 

8. You're trustworthy

Being trustworthy is perhaps one of the most important traits that a babysitter can have. Parents
expect a babysitter to follow the rules of the household, keep the children safe and pay attention
to their kids. Parents don't want a babysitter texting friends or inviting their boyfriend over to the
house. Babysitting is not a time to socialize.   

9. Your punctual

A babysitter should be on time. Period. But be sure to let the family know if you are running late
or give the family a week's notice if you are unable to work on a regularly scheduled night.
Being proactive with your schedule gives a family confidence that you will be equally
responsible with their kids.

10. You're patient

Patience is a very important trait for babysitters to have. Just as children need to be reminded to
"be patient" and "wait their turn to use the slide," babysitters need to exercise patience with
children. Remind them to do their chores; then give them time and space to get it done. Be
patient and continue to offer gentle reminders as necessary.
11. You're authoritative

Babysitting isn't all fun and games. If the parents have left specific instructions (no TV, brush
teeth before bed, eat five bites of vegetables before being excused from the table), it is a
babysitter's job to enforce these rules. You should be gentle and kind, but you also need to show
them who is in charge. It's important that you talk discipline with the family and learn how to
handle bad behavior the way the parents would want.

12. You have unique or fun interests

Kids and parents alike will gravitate to a sitter who can bring a cool new skill set or passion into
their home. A babysitter who bakes or plays guitar, speaks Spanish or was the captain of the
basketball team can be a real selling point for families. Always list your interests and skills on
your babysitting resume and online profile.

13. You're skilled

A babysitter should have certain training and safety qualifications, such as a first aid and CPR
certification. In fact, nowadays, most families expect babysitters to have these certifications. If
an emergency situation arises while you're on the job, parents want to feel confident you will be
ready to help. 

14. You're tenacious

No matter the situation, a babysitter needs to keep at it and never give up. Being tenacious is a
lifelong skill. Does the child have a daunting history assignment or need to practice piano for an
upcoming recital? How can you get him to do it without nagging him? How can you make it fun?

Parents look for maturity in the individual. They also look for how responsible the person is, and
also (which is important) if they truly like children, and how they interact with them. Parents also
want to be able to trust you, that is a big issue.

Plays with or engage the children in outdoor games like hide-and-seek, kick-the-can, football and
other applicable sports activities

Reads together books that are educational and ones that stimulate imagination
Organizes fun activities together like creating arts and crafts projects

Teaches children dancing and painting

Gets to know the children, their abilities, and interests; design plays and activities that bring
about each child’s unique talents

Provides the children with stimulating and enriching activities

Mindful about schedules and built routines

Ability to multitask; great organizing skills

Good problem-solving and mentoring skills