The New Complete Babysitter's Handbook [Paperback]

Elizabeth James (Author), Carol Barkin (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Taking care of other people's children is a job many young people enjoy doing and do well. It's a big responsibility, too. Today's babysitters need skills and awareness that past generations didn't dream of. This comprehensive handbook offers sensible, timely, upbeat advice on practical matters from changing a diaper to answering the phone, and on such sensitive issues as dealing with a parent who may be intoxicated and babysitting for children with chronic illnesses. Suggestions for games and activities indoors and out, meals, bathtime, and bedtime address the specific needs of infants, toddlers, and older children. Appendixes discuss minor mishaps and emergencies, how to tell which is which, and what to do in every case. All health and safety information has been reviewed by health-care professionals. Designed to go along in pocket or purse, with checklists for at-a-glance reference, "The New Complete Babysitter's Handbook" contains everything a great babysitter needs to know in a handy take-along size. Every babysitter and parent should have this book as a constant companion.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4 Up?A good update to The Complete Babysitter's Handbook (Messner, 1980; o.p.). Little of the earlier edition has been eliminated, but two chapters of timely information have been added. All aspects of babysitting are considered: from getting started and finding jobs; through techniques for feeding, playtime, and bedtime; to responding to emergencies. The advice is solid, practical, and direct. Especially pertinent is the new material, which covers responsibility and courtesy, respect for the employer's family's values and children's rights, and the need for careful personal hygiene. The authors also address potential problem situations, such as parents who are late, intoxicated, or who act in an inappropriate manner; and suspicion of child abuse. The overall appearance of this edition has been freshened with new illustrations and layout. A solid first purchase.?Joyce Adams Burner, formerly at Spring Hill Middle School, KS
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 5^-7. With portions reprinted from the authors' 1980 The Complete Babysitter's Handbook, this expanded text should find an eager audience. Included are ideas on how to get jobs, entertain infants and young children, and responsibly fulfill the custodial commitment. The section on first aid is very good: it's firm about the necessity of getting adult help but realistic enough to provide prospective sitters with sufficient information to manage an emergency till grown-ups arrive. Barkin and James also keep the sitter's safety in mind: there's a note about AIDS transmission through blood contact, some tips on answering the door and the phone, and a few words concerning sexual harassment by a parent. Serious, practical, and chockablock with good advice. Stephanie Zvirin --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (March 27, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395665582
• ISBN-13: 978-0395665589
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #363,451 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #58 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Reference & Nonfiction > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The New Complete Babysitter's Handbook is awesome!!!, August 8, 2001

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The New Complete Babysitter's Handbook (Paperback)

This book gives you all you need to know about babysitting and is fun to read. I think it is quite descriptive on the processes of first aid and so on. I think everyone will enjoy reading this book, kids who are just starting to babysit or who already babysit but just want to brush up on stuff.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Handbook is a must, May 2, 2010

By 

Sheryl J. Alldredge - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The New Complete Babysitter's Handbook (Paperback)

When you take on babysitting it is
important to have tools to help
guide you through what you might
expect. Like it says it is a
complete handbook for learning how
to be a babysitter.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars keep the age in mind, February 11, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The New Complete Babysitter's Handbook (Paperback)

This is a well written beginning babysitters guide. My problem with it is that it is written for 9-12 year olds and many states require that babysitters be 13 years old and have a babysitting class. If you aren't sure about your state's requirements (or didn't realize they existed), call your local department of Family and Children's Services and ask them the home-alone and babysitting age requirements.