1.3. Explain the babysitter’s responsibilities to the children’s parent(s) or primary carer(s)

This guide will help you answer 1.3. Explain the babysitter’s responsibilities to the children’s parent(s) or primary carer(s).

Babysitters have responsibilities to the children in their care and to the parents or primary carers. The work is about trust, clear communication, and meeting agreed expectations. Parents rely on babysitters to provide safe, respectful and supportive care while they are away. They expect babysitters to act responsibly and report any concerns or incidents.

A babysitter must understand that they are working on behalf of the parents or carers. This means following agreed instructions, protecting the child’s wellbeing, and respecting family rules.

Clear Communication Before and During Care

A babysitter must speak openly with the parents before starting the job. This helps avoid misunderstanding and ensures the babysitter knows exactly what is expected. Clear communication should cover practical matters and any special instructions.

Points to discuss include:

• Start and finish times
• Contact details for emergencies
• Food rules or dietary needs
• Bedtimes or nap routines
• Activities the child is allowed to do
• Limits on screen time or certain toys

During care, the babysitter should keep communication open if something unexpected happens. This can mean sending a text to reassure parents or calling for advice if unsure about a situation.

Following Instructions from Parents or Carers

Parents often leave written or verbal instructions. These should be followed carefully. Instructions may include meal preparation, bedtime routines, or details about medication.

Failing to follow instructions can cause distress to parents and may harm the child’s wellbeing. A babysitter should always ask for clarification if something is unclear. Acting on assumptions can lead to mistakes.

Examples of following instructions:

• Giving medicine only at the prescribed time and amount
• Putting the child to bed following the usual routine, such as reading a short story first
• Avoiding certain foods or drinks that parents have said the child cannot have

Safety and Security Duties

Parents expect babysitters to keep their children safe. This includes physical safety and emotional reassurance. Babysitters may need to carry out risk checks during the shift.

Safety duties include:

• Supervising children at all times
• Keeping doors locked and windows secure where appropriate
• Checking toys for damage that might cause injury
• Using car seats correctly if transporting the child
• Being cautious with strangers or unexpected visitors

The babysitter must be confident in emergency procedures. This could involve knowing where first aid supplies are kept or how to contact emergency services.

Respecting Privacy and Confidentiality

Babysitters may hear or see private family matters. Parents expect these to remain confidential. Respecting privacy builds trust and keeps the working relationship professional.

Confidentiality includes:

• Not sharing information about the children or family with others
• Keeping contact details private
• Avoiding posting pictures or details online without consent

If the babysitter thinks there may be safeguarding concerns, they should follow the agreed reporting procedure. This could involve speaking to the parent directly or contacting the relevant authority if the child is at risk.

Being Reliable and Punctual

A babysitter’s reliability affects how much parents trust them. Arriving on time means the parents can leave without stress. It also shows respect for their plans.

If running late, the babysitter must contact the parents immediately. Repeated lateness will damage trust and could mean the babysitter is not asked back.

Reliability extends to staying for the full agreed time and not leaving early without permission.

Following Agreed House Rules

Parents often have household rules they wish the babysitter to follow. This can cover areas such as phone use, television programmes, or use of certain rooms.

Respecting house rules shows the babysitter is willing to work in line with the family’s values.

Examples may include:

• No visitors to the house during the shift
• Limiting TV programmes to those suitable for the child’s age
• Keeping play in certain safe areas of the home

House rules should be agreed before the babysitter starts working.

Emotional Support for the Child

Parents want their child to feel comfortable with the babysitter. Providing emotional support helps the child feel secure during the parents’ absence.

Ways to offer emotional support:

• Listening to the child’s worries and giving reassurance
• Using a calm tone of voice
• Providing familiar routines or comfort items such as a favourite toy

Reporting changes in the child’s behaviour when parents return can help them understand if any issues need longer term attention.

Handling Emergencies and Unexpected Incidents

The babysitter must be prepared to act quickly and calmly if something goes wrong. Parents count on them to protect the child in emergencies.

Possible incidents include:

• Injuries from falls or accidents
• Sudden illness
• Fire or safety risks in the home
• Stranger danger situations

The babysitter should follow any emergency plan provided by the parents. They must contact the parents as soon as possible in any significant situation.

Providing Detailed Feedback After the Shift

After care is finished, parents appreciate accurate feedback on how the time went. This can help parents understand how their children spent the evening and can identify any problems.

Information to share may include:

• Meals eaten and amounts
• Bedtime and whether the child settled well
• Any accidents or minor injuries
• How behaviour was during activities
• Positive moments or achievements

Being open about any issues strengthens trust and shows the babysitter is responsible.

Respecting Cultural, Religious and Family Values

Parents may have cultural or religious values that guide everyday routines. Babysitters should speak with the parents about these before starting work.

Examples can include certain dress rules, dietary restrictions, or prayer times. Respecting these values shows care for the family’s way of life.

Showing Professional Conduct

Professional conduct builds respect between babysitter and parents. It covers attitude, behaviour and presentation.

Professional conduct includes:

• Speaking politely
• Dressing appropriately for the setting
• Avoiding distractions such as personal phone calls
• Not engaging in arguments with the child

Being calm and respectful helps the babysitter manage situations well and keeps parents reassured.

Financial Responsibility

The babysitter should agree payment terms before starting work. This avoids misunderstanding later. Parents expect honesty about hours worked.

If any extra costs occur during care, for example buying food or supplies, the babysitter should keep receipts and discuss them with parents.

Maintaining Boundaries

Babysitters must keep clear boundaries between themselves and the family. This means avoiding over-familiar behaviour that could affect professionalism.

Boundaries protect both parties and help keep roles clear. A babysitter is not a parent but a trusted temporary carer.

This includes:

• Avoiding personal involvement in family disagreements
• Not making parenting decisions without consent
• Avoiding giving personal opinions on sensitive matters unless asked

Adapting to Children’s Individual Needs

Parents often share information about the child’s personality, habits, and any special needs. A babysitter’s responsibility is to adapt their approach to meet those needs.

For example:

• Providing extra reassurance for shy children
• Using agreed strategies for behaviour support
• Adjusting activities to suit the child’s developmental level

Feedback after the shift should mention how these adaptations worked.

Respect for Parental Authority

Parents remain the main carers and decision-makers. Babysitters act under their direction. Respecting parental authority means following their rules, discipline methods, and general guidance.

If the babysitter disagrees with a rule, they should discuss it with the parents separately, not ignore the rule during care.

Keeping the Home Environment Safe and Tidy

Parents expect babysitters to maintain a safe and tidy environment. This includes cleaning up after activities and preventing hazards.

For example:

• Wiping surfaces after meals
• Putting away toys at the end of playtime
• Keeping floors clear of obstacles

This shows respect for the parents’ home and helps avoid accidents.

Final Thoughts

Babysitting is a position of trust. It involves clear responsibilities to the child and the parents or carers. Meeting those responsibilities requires good communication, respect for instructions, and commitment to safety and privacy.

When a babysitter works with professionalism and care, parents feel confident leaving their child and home in safe hands. This trust can lead to regular work and a positive ongoing relationship with the family.