Helpful Hints for Teen Sitters During Times of National Crisis

• Be cheerful and behave toward the child in your usual manner.

• Don't be surprised if the child has problems separating from parents, cries at bedtime, wants to sit on your lap all the time, or reverts to childish behaviors like thumb-sucking or carrying around a stuffed animal or blanket. These behaviors will disappear when the child resolves the stress.
• Play games, read stories and spend time in active play. Leave the TV off! Even if the child doesn't show it, TV coverage of the disaster is upsetting.
• Maintain all the usual routines, including bedtime rituals, favorite stories, etc.
• Don't bring up the disaster in conversation. If the child brings it up, listen carefully. reassure the child you will keep him or her safe. Other than a brief comment about your own sadness and concern for the families involved, you should not prolong the discussion. Reassure the child you will tell the parents about their child's concerns.
• Be sure to report the child's comments and/or emotional reactions to the parents when they arrive home. If the child is extremely upset, especially if you feel the parents should come home, call the parents and let them know what is going on. Don't be afraid to ask them to come home.
• If any emergency or unpleasant situation arises while you are babysitting, remember to always stay calm and always provide comfort.

These tips are from Safe Sitter, a national nonprofit organization that trains young adolescents to be safe, nurturing babaysitters. For more information, visit www.safesitter.org.