Prior to using this Quick Discussion Guide, you and your child may want to do any or all of the following activities on "It's My Life":

• Read the "Babysitting" article.

• Work together to come up with a "You Said It" submission for this topic.

• Print out the IML Journal page "Babysitting.” Complete it together or encourage your child to complete it on his/her own.

Discussion Questions:

• Have you thought about being a babysitter? Why do you think you’d like to try it?

• Babysitting is a very big responsibility. Do you think you’re ready?

• What about your personality and skills tells you that you will be good at caring for younger children?

• Is there anything you’d like to ask me about childcare? Are there any skills I can help you get better at?

• Once you’re ready, do you want any help with the business side of things, like deciding what to charge and how to find clients?

Remember:
--Babysitting is often a young person’s first experience with important job responsibilities. Encouraging this venture, along with the “business” side of it (such as setting a fee and advertising), can really help pre-teens develop skills for future money-making situations.

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