Babysitting siblings and other children well

Looking after a younger brother, sister or a neighbour's child is one of the first real responsibilities many teenagers take on. Done well, it builds trust with families and teaches you calm, practical leadership.

Are you ready, and is it the right job?

• In the UK, the NSPCC and the Children's Legal Centre advise that a babysitter should be at least 16 (as summarised by Southampton City Council).
• Babysitters need no formal qualification, so readiness is about maturity, not a certificate. Be honest with yourself and the family about what you can handle.
• The NSPCC view is that children under 13 should not be left alone at all. That is good practice rather than law, but it tells you how much supervision younger children need.
• Start small: an hour with one sibling while a parent is nearby is a sensible first step before an evening with a baby and a toddler.
• If you are under 16, it is reasonable to say: 'I'm happy to help, but I'd like an adult to be close by or reachable within minutes.'

Questions to ask before the parents leave

• The American Red Cross suggests asking about the child's normal routine for meals, naps and bedtime.
• Ask about any allergies, medicines or medical conditions, and write them down rather than relying on memory.
• Ask about house rules: screen time, snacks, bedtime, and any rooms, toys or activities that are off limits.
• Ask what usually soothes the child when they are upset: a favourite toy, a song, a particular story.
• Ask how the door locks, child gates and any other safety devices work, and where the first aid kit is.

Your emergency information sheet

• Write down or save on your phone the full home address, including building name, flat or villa number and nearest landmark, so you can give it quickly to an emergency operator.
• Save every parent or guardian number, plus one backup adult such as a neighbour or relative.
• In the UAE the main emergency numbers are 999 for police, 998 for ambulance and 997 for fire (Civil Defence), according to the UAE Government portal.
• Keep your phone charged and with you, but follow the Red Cross advice to stay present and not drift into scrolling.
• If you are ever worried a child is at risk of harm, the UAE Government portal lists the Ministry of Interior hotline 116111 for violence against women and children.

Supervision that actually keeps children safe

• Southampton City Council's guidance is clear: never leave a baby or young child alone, even briefly, even if they say they don't mind.
• For babies, the Red Cross says always follow safe sleep practice: on their back, in a cot free of toys and loose blankets.
• Never leave an infant unattended on a bed, sofa or changing table (Red Cross).
• Keep children in sight near water, stairs, balconies, ovens and front doors. The Water Safety module covers pools and bathtime in more depth.
• Do not open the door to anyone you were not told to expect. Call a parent if someone arrives unexpectedly.

Handing back: the end of the job

• The Red Cross suggests checking that doors and windows are secure before parents return.
• Give a short summary: what the children ate, when they slept, any upsets, and any bumps or injuries, however small.
• If parents will be home after the children are asleep, leave a written note or send a check-in text.
• Be honest if something went wrong. Families trust sitters who report problems, not ones who hide them.