Teens and tweens always can use a few extra dollars in their pockets, and a rewarding way to earn spending money comes along with some responsibility. A traditional “job” for our youngsters always has been watching younger children - siblings, cousins, or the children of neighbors and family friends.
Taking care of younger children, especially during naptime or when they are put to bed for the night, seems easy. But, ensuring their safety and health can be a daunting task. A little confidence can be a big help for a sitter while providing a sigh of relief for all the parents and guardians involved.
I want to share a story about a young girl, Emily, who faced a difficult situation when she was watching her younger brother. Emily left him alone for a moment to go to the kitchen. When she returned, he was choking on a piece of candy.
Immediately, Emily performed abdominal thrusts, but it did not work. She grabbed the phone and called 9-1-1, and following the directions of emergency responders, she administered abdominal thrusts again to dislodge candy from Alex’s throat. Emily’s actions were the difference between life and death.
The American Red Cross trains thousands of tweens/teens to be responsible babysitters. Training provides young adults with the necessary skills to take on the responsibilities of the job and how to act during emergencies, while offering peace of mind to parents/guardians who want to feel confident that their children are in the care of a competent babysitter.
The Red Cross babysitting class teaches 11- to 15-year-olds how to care for an infant, feed children of all ages, distinguish between life-threatening and less serious emergencies and even how to interview with prospective employers.
“Students learn the importance of presenting themselves well,” said Jean Cappello, a Red Cross instructor at the American Red Cross in Greater New York. “Knowing a family’s rules, expectations and cultural preferences are all aspects of being a good babysitter.”
Taught by Red Cross-certified instructors, the lessons also include first aid and basic care skills. Decision-making aptitude and solutions for real-life problems are addressed, and students are taught to deal with common problems such as bedtime issues, misbehaving children and what to do when a stranger calls.
The seven-and-a-half hour class combines video with lively activities and discussion to provide straightforward advice. Sitters-to-be learn about:
The one-time class costs $60, a worthwhile way for parents of sitters to guide them and help them understand how to be prepared when watching children. Classes are held often at our Queens office (138-02 Queens Boulevard in Briarwood). Visit www.nyredcross.org or call us at 718-558-0053 for more information.
MARCH IS RED CROSS MONTH
On cold days, we wrap blankets around people and get them into our vehicles or into a nearby school or church when fire has forced from their apartments. On hot days, we make sure they have something cold to drink and a decent meal when the power goes out. After a storm, we provide residents with clean-up kits to help them wipe away the dirt and mold that have soiled their homes.
The American Red Cross in Greater New York arrives when disaster strikes to help Queens residents respond to emergencies. We also conduct programs to help people prevent and prepare in advance to cope with emergencies. This is what the Red Cross is all about. We honor our mission and thank our many volunteers every day. We do celebrate a little more than usual during March, though, since it is Red Cross Month.
To accomplish all that we do, including training New Yorkers in first aid/CPR and teaching others how to swim and serve as lifeguards, we rely on committed and compassionate trained volunteers who are the heart and soul of the Red Cross. So, during March, think about how you will help yourselves, your families and neighbors. Enroll in our classes, support us with a financial contribution to help us provide preparedness programs and humanitarian care to New Yorkers, and consider, as a family, donating your time to become trained as instructors or emergency responders.
Joan Foley is director of the American Red Cross in Greater New York - Queens.
In Queens, the American Red Cross in Greater New York responds to emergencies such as fires, floods and power outages. It also helps residents prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies by offering first aid, CPR, aquatics and other classes along with free emergency preparedness training programs and resources. The Red Cross is located at 138-02 Queens Boulevard in Briarwood. More information can be obtained by calling 718-558-0053, or visiting www.nyredcross.org .
