Babysitting Survival Guide (Part One)

Okay, I've been told that I need to write this for a while.
I've been babysitting since I was about 13, plus I'm the oldest of seven (oldest kid=built in babysitter). So here's part one of, basically, Whit's helpful hints to survive babysitting.

1. Know the kiddos, at least a little. They need to be familiar with your face. Imagine that you're around 2-4 and all of the sudden mama's leaving for date-night with daddy and some strange person is walking into your house and mama leaves. I'd suggest doing like one family I sat for did: Pick a day with your family and let that be a 'getting to know you session' between you and the child. Just play. Find bubbles. Watch their favorite show. Make a snack. Play their favorite game. It's simple, and it should help save you some of the initial awkwardness...and hopefully, if the child's a little older (like around 3-5), they'll see your face and associate you with fun. 
2. Talk to your parents. This seems like a no-brainer, but I've sat for some parents (none currently, mind you!) that were poor communicators. Be sure that they make their expectations clear. If there's something you're not sure of, ask. Some parents have mom-brain or dad-brain and totally forget some things. Be sure you know about medication schedules, sleep schedules, allergies, certain eccentricities (if they HAVE to have the red cup to go to sleep or if their room needs to be perfect before they go to bed), what they can and can't have for a snack (like if they can't have drinks with caffeine) or anything else. Make a list if you  have to, or ask the parents to make a list. I'd say DEFINITELY make a list if there are serious allergies to things like bee stings, peanuts, red dye, etc, just so you remember.
3. Know your surroundings. Let's be honest: Explosive diarrhea happens. When it happens, it's best to be prepared. Where are the spare pajamas? Where are the extra pairs of underwear? Where's the immodium or the pedialyte? I'd suggest getting the parents to let you know where certain things are in the event of an emergency. That includes both of their cell numbers (several moms I know are famous for leaving their own cells in the car during dinner when they don't carry a purse), and possibly other emergency numbers. Also get them to tell you how things work...some tv's (most tv's) don't just have a simple on-off switch...I've seen some that require a voodoo ceremony to switch them from the DVD mode to satellite mode. Get someone to show this to you. Know where the trashcan is if you have little kids (diapers sitting on the counter are not fun). Little things like that make a difference in stress-levels. 
4. Some things aren't worth a battle. Blatant disobedience is one thing. A kid wanting lemonade at supper instead of Coke (especially if there's lemonade in the fridge) is not a big deal. Pick your battles. Save yourself some energy. 
5. Know the rules. This can go some with number 2, but it's important enough to go by itself. If mama doesn't let them have laffy taffy and they want laffy taffy, say no (plus you have to deal with the stuck-in-the-teeth aftermath). If mama doesn't let them play on their tablets/i-pads/what have you but for an hour, enforce that. Respect is earned; you get more when you try to keep the rules as close to mom and dad's as possible. 

So that's it for now, I'll probably do another part to it at some other point!