What Makes a Good Babysitter? When I was at school, I used to do a lot of babysitting at the weekends to earn a bit of extra pocket money. Most of the work I did was for family friends who had young children, and knew that I could cope with the 1) responsibility of looking after their kids. I think one of the most important qualities of a good babysitter is 2) patience - you shouldn't get angry or annoyed, but just stay calm in all situations. I suppose how you deal with anything is just a matter of 3) common sense; if there's a problem you just have to deal with it 4) sensibly and use your brain! I was always firm with the children but never 5) bossy because I don't think you get anywhere with them if you keep on telling them to do things when it's unnecessary. I tried to be 6) relaxed with them; I didn't make too many rules, because that way we all enjoyed ourselves, and they always looked forward to me coming. Obviously a certain amount of 7) discipline is needed, as you don't want them running round the house out of control. I'm a bit of an 8) entertainer when it comes to looking after kids; I like to make them laugh. We always sang a few songs and played a few games. I always tried to appear 9) enthusiastic and interested in what they were doing as this helped them become confident. The most important quality for a babysitter, as far as the parents are concerned, is that you are trustworthy 10) They are leaving you alone in their house with their children, and so they really have to be able to trust you. Of course you have to be 11) reliable; it wouldn't be much good if they couldn't depend on you to get there on time every time.
1. I don't know what to give my brother for his birthday.2. Do they want to publish this book in July?3. She thinks he drives dangerously.4. He understands that he eats noisily, but he always forgets about it.5. Who is that man who is standing in the doorway?6. I have no time now, I'm having dinner.7. Do your family live St. Petersburg in summer? - yes, we always go to the seaside. We all like the sea. Mother stays with us to the end of August, but father returns much earlier. 8. Where are Tom and Nick now? - They are having a smoke in the garden.9. What are you doing here now? - We are listening to tape recordings. 10. Do you wand to see my father? - Yes, I do. 11. Michael knows German rather well. He wants to know English too, but he has little time for it now.
