To make sure you get hired — and keep getting hired — here are 12 things you should never, ever do while babysitting.

8 important tips for your first time babysitting

• Reflect on the past. Can you remember being a child and having a babysitter?
• Be organised and create a schedule.
• Wear practical clothing.
• Listen to the rules and instructions.
• Plan emergency procedures.
• Eat healthy food and stay hydrated.
• Pack supplies.
• Keep your cool.

How to Be a Good Babysitter: 11 Tips

• Understand your comfort level. Before you agree to babysit, know your limitations.
• Keep an open line of communication.
• Be prepared for everything.
• Be well-informed.
• Be organized.
• Be active and have fun.
• Reinforce rules and limits.
• Be watchful.

• Don’t take the kids out of the home without permission.
• Don’t take or post photos of the kids.
• Don’t be on your phone.
• Don’t smoke, drink or do drugs.
• Don’t make the family’s business public.

In general, kids can start babysitting siblings for short periods around age 11 or 12. Start by leaving them for short amounts of time and gradually increase it as they prove themselves trustworthy. Don’t leave them alone overnight until your oldest child is at least 16.

Common Sense recommends the app for age 15+ mainly due to the privacy issues and mature content. TikTok requires that users be at least 13 years old to use the full TikTok experience, although there is a way for younger kids to access the app.

The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that on average, girls begin dating as early as 12 and a half years old, and boys a year older. But it may not be the kind of “dating” you’re picturing.