What is what to do when babysitting?

Okay, here's some information on what to do when babysitting, formatted in Markdown with links:

Babysitting 101: A Quick Guide

Babysitting is a big responsibility! Here's a breakdown of what to expect and how to handle it:

Get the Details: Always discuss key information with the parents before they leave. This includes the children's names and ages, any allergies or medical conditions, bedtime routines, meal schedules, permitted activities, and emergency contact numbers.
Emergency Plan: Understand the parents' emergency plan. Know where the first-aid kit is, who to call in case of an emergency (besides 911/your local emergency number), and the location of any escape routes.
House Rules: Clarify the rules of the house. Are the children allowed to watch TV? Can they have sugary snacks? Are they allowed to play outside? Understanding these rules will help you maintain order and consistency.
Contact Information: Ensure you have reliable contact information for the parents (cell phone numbers, etc.) and any other emergency contacts.

Safety First: Your top priority is the children's safety and well-being. Maintain constant supervision.
Following the Routine: Stick to the established routines as much as possible (meal times, bedtimes, etc.) This provides comfort and stability for the children.
Engage and Entertain: Plan some age-appropriate activities to keep the children entertained and happy. This could involve reading books, playing games, doing crafts, or having outdoor playtime (with permission). Avoid screen time if possible, or keep it within the parents' established limits.
Mealtime Management: Prepare meals and snacks as instructed by the parents. Be mindful of any dietary restrictions or allergies.
Bedtime Bliss: Follow the parents' bedtime routine. This usually involves brushing teeth, reading a story, and tucking the children into bed.
Discipline: Avoid physical punishment or yelling. If a child misbehaves, use time-outs or other methods approved by the parents. If you are unable to handle the situation yourself contact the parents.
Clean Up: After meals and activities, tidy up to leave the house as you found it.

Stay Calm: If an emergency arises, stay calm and assess the situation.
Call 911/Your Local Emergency Number: For serious medical emergencies, fire, or other life-threatening situations, call for emergency help immediately.
Contact the Parents: After calling emergency services (if needed), contact the parents to inform them of the situation.
First Aid: Be prepared to administer basic first%20aid if necessary.

Provide a Summary: Give the parents a brief summary of the evening. Let them know what the children did, how they behaved, and any issues that arose.
Get Paid: Discuss payment with the parents before you leave.
Thank You: Thank the parents for the opportunity to babysit.
Feedback: Ask the parents for any feedback they have for you. This will help you improve your babysitting skills.