10 Famous Games Babysitters Should Not Play With Kids

Most kids grow up playing these classic games; in a group where all participants are of roughly the same age and size, they’re great fun. However, babysitters should never join in these games with their charges due to the possible risks involved.

1. Red Rover – Some organizations have banned this game altogether, but it can be fun if played carefully. A babysitter with two to three times the physical strength and size of their charges can inadvertently cause serious injury by crashing into more fragile arms too roughly.
2. Hide and Seek – With older children that have a clear understanding of dangerous hiding places, this game is harmless fun. Babysitters of younger charges shouldn’t participate in the game; they should set clear boundaries for play and watch carefully as children select their hiding places. When the searcher begins looking for their playmates, a good babysitter should already know exactly where each child is; taking part in the game would make this nearly impossible.
3. Tug of War – Once again, the more powerful musculature of teenage or adult babysitters can pose a significant risk when playing this game. Leave it to the children while you keep an eye out for injuries, being sure to monitor the amount of strain that little arms and wrists are under.
4. Wrestling – For toddlers, this game can quickly become too dangerous with a grown-up opponent. Explaining to parents that their child is hurt because you wrestled with them too hard is difficult, and sure to make them think twice about calling you the next time they need a sitter.
5. Football – The slightest miscalculation in force when tackling a little one can result in very grave injuries. If your charges insist on playing football, opt for the touch variety or sit out while they play tackle.
6. Dodgeball – In the heat of competition, it’s easy for a sitter to throw a ball too hard. Face and head injuries are a very real possibility when kids of comparable size play dodgeball; adding a larger person to the equation is just asking for trouble.
7. Soccer – Unless you’re very sure that you can control the force and speed with which you kick a soccer ball, leave the soccer games to the kids while you cheer them on from the sidelines.
8. Bloody Mary – While it’s certainly not physically dangerous, parents will not appreciate a frightened child that keeps them up all night after a sitter introduced them to the classic Bloody Mary. The grisly legend and morbid accompanying game are the quickest way to never be hired by a family again.
9. Truth or Dare – Truth or Dare is a game that explores boundaries and pushes the limits of acceptable behavior. The very nature of the game makes it inappropriate for sitters to play with their charges; even with innocent dares and questions that don’t explore touchy subjects, maintaining authority after these boundaries have been blurred may be difficult.
10. Blind Man’s Bluff – Sending a child careening around the backyard while blindfolded is a recipe for disaster. If children insist on playing, you should supervise them very closely and never join in.

Remember that babysitting is different from playing with younger siblings, and that parents will hold a babysitter accountable for any injuries sustained because of irresponsible behavior. Use your best judgment when you suggest pastimes and games while you’re responsible for children, and always make sure that safety is your first concern.

Taken From Babysitters