10 Treats Every Sitter Should Carry With Them

Every occupation has its own tools of the trade; indispensable items that make the job easier. Babysitting is no exception. There are certain things that a sitter should have at her disposal wherever she goes. For instance, it’s always a good idea for a babysitter to carry a variety of treats that cover any situation. We’ll share with you a list of ten treats every sitter should keep handy:

1. Lollipops – A universally loved treat for kids that can help calm a cranky child, or serve as a bribe when you need a little help getting the little ones to behave. Kids have been known to do just about anything they’re told for a lollipop. In fact they’re suckers for suckers.
2. Chewing Gum – It’s good to have some gum for yourself on hand, when you’ve got a long night of sitting ahead of you and want to have a bit of flavor between the more filling snacks, or if there isn’t much else on hand to munch on.
3. Cough Drops – They’ll serve a similar purpose as chewing gum, but with the added benefit of providing some medicinal aid as well. If you’ve got a nagging cough, it makes it more of a challenge to get the kids to sleep. Anything that will help keep the peace is a welcome thing to have at the ready.
4. Movies – You may want to keep a small library of kids’ movies, or even some for your own entertainment, in order to help pass the time and/or keep the kids amused. Find out what the children you’re sitting like to watch, and bring along some favorites.
5. Gummi Bears – Kids love them, and they help keep their jaws moving without having to listen to them scream. If your young charges are the over-active sorts, you can help them settle down by doling out a few of these judiciously.
6. Pop Tarts – They’re great toasted or right out of the box, come in a wide assortment of flavors, and can serve as a nice snack with milk any hour of the day or night. They stay fresh for a long time in the packaging, so you can always keep a stash on hand.
7. Pet Treats – If your host family has any pets, they may or may not have some treats available for them. Bring along some of your own to help make friends with the family dog or cat. It doesn’t hurt to keep them happy and you might just keep them out of mischief too.
8. Fresh-Baked Cookies – This is a time-honored tool in every realtor’s arsenal that can work in a similar fashion for sitters too. Anytime you arrive bearing gifts, especially this kind, you’ll find that life goes a lot more smoothly for you – with the family, and with the kids.
9. Drink Powder – You can buy small packets of flavored powder that can be mixed with water for a tasty and healthy alternative to plain old tap water. You never know when the pickings might be slim for drinks, and a handful of these is like having your own vending machine.
10. Coloring Books and Crayons – This is a great way to give the kids a chance to be creative. Invite them to make something special for Mom and Dad while they’re out. In addition to these, you might think up some other arts and crafts items to make it a creative night all around.

Being prepared is not just the Boy Scout motto; it is a good tip for everyone. Especially when dealing with children, it is important to stay on top of things. Try to have your goody bag ready and a few tricks up your sleeves.

Taken From Babysitting