150 Questions To Ask Parents Before Babysitting

Before you take care of a child, it’s crucial to understand their needs, likes, dislikes, health conditions, daily routines, and habits to provide the best experience for everyone involved.

With this list of 150+ questions to ask parents before babysitting, you will be well-prepared and informed.

Questions To Ask Parents Before Babysitting

General Information about the Child

1. What is the age of the child?

2. What are the child’s hobbies and interests?

3. What’s the child’s favorite activity?

4. What is the child’s favorite toy or comfort item?

5. How does the child typically react to new people?

6. Does the child prefer quiet activities or active play?

7. Does the child have any pet peeves or dislikes?

8. Is there a bedtime routine or ritual?

9. How does the child usually react when they are told “no”?

10. What does the child typically do when upset or distressed?

11. Does the child have any favorite snacks or treats?

12. Does the child have any favorite shows or movies?

13. How does the child like to be comforted when scared or upset?

14. Is the child allowed to have screen time?

15. Are there any activities or games that are not allowed?

16. Is there a particular way to communicate with the child (for example, gently, calmly, enthusiastically)?

17. Does the child enjoy playing outside, or do they prefer indoors?

18. How does the child like to spend their time in the evening?

19. What’s the child’s usual bedtime and wake-up time?

20. What is the child’s typical mood when they wake up?

Related: How to Stop Worrying About Your Kids

Health and Medical Information

21. Does the child have any known medical conditions?

22. Is the child allergic to any foods or medications?

23. What symptoms should I look out for in the case of allergies?

24. Does the child have a prescribed medication?

25. How should I give the child their medication?

26. Are there any particular symptoms I should be able to recognize in case of a medical emergency?

27. What should I do if the child becomes sick or gets injured?

28. Is there an EpiPen or any other emergency medication in the house?

29. Does the child need any special medical equipment, like an inhaler or a nebulizer?

30. Does the child have any special medical needs, such as diabetes or asthma?

31. Where is the child’s medical history kept?

32. Is there a particular doctor or pediatrician I should call in the case of an emergency?

33. Are there any sensitivities to light, sound, or touch that I should be aware of?

34. Does the child require a special diet or have any food restrictions?

35. How should I handle a fever or flu symptoms?

36. Should I take the child’s temperature or monitor any other symptoms?

37. Is there a particular temperature range that’s better or worse for the child to sleep in?

38. Does the child need any assistance with eating, dressing, or brushing teeth?

39. Should I make sure the child takes a nap during the day?

40. Does the child have a history of motion sickness?

Related: 100 Questions To Ask Your Pastor About Relationships

Discipline and Behavioral Guidelines

41. How should I handle temper tantrums?

42. How do you discipline the child if they misbehave?

43. What are the best ways or techniques to get the child to listen?

44. Are there any particular phrases or actions that work best if the child misbehaves?

45. Does the child have any habits (thumb-sucking, nail-biting, etc.)?

46. How do you typically encourage good behavior in the child?

47. Are there any behaviors that should be immediately stopped?

48. Are there any specific consequences for bad behavior that I should be aware of?

49. How do you handle the situation if the child refuses to follow instructions?

50. How should I handle it if the child ignores me?

51. Does the child have a tendency to lie, and how should I approach it?

52. How should I react if the child refuses to go to bed?

53. What’s the best way to calm the child down if they get upset?

54. How do you usually deal with sibling rivalry, if applicable?

55. Are there any triggers or situations that are known to cause behavioral problems in the child?

56. Is the child allowed to have sweets or junk food, and if so, when?

57. How do you usually handle situations in which the child’s emotions are running high?

58. Are there any specific rules around screen time that I should enforce?

59. Does the child have a habit of whining and how do you usually deal with it?

60. Should I give the child a “warning” before enforcing consequences?

Safety Information

61. Where is the closest hospital or emergency room?

62. Does the child have any specific safety needs (such as being non-ambulatory)?

63. Where is the first aid kit?

64. Are there any safety concerns in the house I should be aware of (sharp objects, stairs, etc.)?

65. What safety measures are in place in the child’s bedroom or play areas?

66. Are there any toxic substances or areas that I should be aware of (cleaning supplies, medications, etc.)?

67. How do you handle fire safety in the home?

68. Where are the fire extinguishers and how do they work?

69. Is there an emergency evacuation plan for the house?

70. Are there any special instructions or details for an emergency evacuation that I should know?

71. Does the house have childproofing measures in place, such as outlet covers or safety gates?

72. How should I handle a situation where the child experiences an injury or a fall?

73. What’s the best way to ensure the child’s safety if we go for a walk outside?

74. Does the child know about the emergency exits in the house?

75. Is there a designated emergency contact if I am unable to reach you?

76. Are there any house rules about locking doors or windows?

77. Should the child be wearing a helmet or any other protective gear for specific activities?

78. How should I handle a situation where the child is choking?

79. Are there any medications or medical devices I should be monitoring or administering?

80. Should the child be using any special equipment, such as glasses, hearing aids, or mobility aids?

Emergency and Special Needs

81. Does the child have any special needs or disabilities that I should be aware of?

82. How should I handle a medical emergency for the child?

83. Is there any therapy or treatment plan that I should be aware of?

84. Does the child use any assistive devices (such as glasses, hearing aids)?

85. Is there a history of seizures or any other medical conditions?

86. Should I keep track of the child’s behavior, health, or mood throughout the day?

87. Are there any triggers that could potentially cause the child to feel overwhelmed or stressed?

88. Does the child require a specific routine to be maintained in order to stay calm or engaged?

89. How should I react if the child has a meltdown?

90. Does the child need any extra assistance with tasks like eating, dressing, or bathing?

91. How can I best support the child’s emotional or psychological needs?

92. Does the child have a history of separation anxiety or fears that I should be aware of?

93. How can I help the child feel comfortable if they are scared or anxious?

94. Is there a specific technique or method that you use to calm the child when they are upset that I can utilize?

95. Are there any behavioral techniques or strategies that I should apply in the case of children with special needs?

Communication and Interaction

96. How do you prefer I communicate with you during babysitting sessions (texts, calls, etc.)?

97. Are there any updates or notes that you would like me to give you at the end of the babysitting session?

98. Should I send any updates or photos during the day?

99. What’s the best way to contact you if something comes up unexpectedly?

100. Should I document the child’s activities or behavior throughout the babysitting session?

101. What kind of feedback would you like after each babysitting session?

102. How do you prefer to handle situations where I am uncertain about how to proceed or what to do?

103. Should I check in with you for approval on any major decisions (meals, activities)?

104. Are there any boundaries around communication, such as how often I can text or call you?

105. Is there a preferred time to call if there is an issue or an emergency?

106. How much information would you like me to provide regarding the child’s behavior after the babysitting session?

107. Are there any ongoing concerns or updates that I should be aware of before babysitting?

Daily and Weekly Routines

108. What is the daily schedule of the child?

109. What time does the child typically wake up, eat meals, and go to bed?

110. Does the child nap during the day?

111. How much screen time or media does the child usually engage with each day?

112. Does the child attend school or any extracurricular activities?

113. How does the child typically spend their weekends?

114. What time does the child usually eat lunch, snacks, and dinner?

115. How long does the child usually take for meals or snacks?

116. Are there any specific times during the day when the child is known to be particularly tired or irritable?

117. Is there a specific time the child needs to be in bed, or is it more flexible?

118. Does the child have any after-school activities or lessons?

119. Does the child require a bath or shower in the evening?

120. How much time is usually dedicated to homework or studying?

General Lifestyle and Family Preferences

121. Are there any pets in the home, and should I interact with them?

122. What’s the general atmosphere of the home—quiet, busy, relaxed?

123. Are there any family traditions or rituals that I should be aware of?

124. How do you prefer to handle any issues with family members or friends that might visit during babysitting?

125. Is there a preferred time for the child to do chores or any household tasks?

126. Is there a curfew or any specific rules around bedtime?

127. Does the child have regular visitors (family members, friends, etc.)?

128. Are there any specific rules about playdates or socializing with others?

129. Should I enforce quiet time for reading or personal space?

130. Are there any cultural or religious practices that I should be aware of and consider?

131. What should I do if the child is upset or anxious?

132. Should the child be allowed to have playdates with other children?

133. Are there any household rules about phone use or technology that I should be aware of?

134. Is there a specific way that you prefer to teach the child new things?

135. Are there any household chores or responsibilities that the child is expected to do?

136. Are there any special routines or celebrations that occur regularly that I should be aware of?

137. Are there any quiet activities or solo activities that the child enjoys?

138. What’s the best way to establish trust with the child?

139. How do you usually introduce a new babysitter to the child?

140. How should I handle situations when the child misbehaves in public?

141. Should I be ready to take care of any homework or other educational tasks?

142. Are there any important upcoming events that the child should be prepared for?

143. How do you feel about the child’s social interactions with other children?

144. Does the child have a favorite spot to relax or enjoy some alone time?

145. Is it okay if the child has visitors or friends over?

146. Are there any specific things that the child dislikes doing (e.g., cleaning, chores)?

147. Should I limit screen time or focus more on physical play?

148. What’s the best way to make sure the child follows their rules and routines?

149. Is there anything else I should be aware of regarding the child’s comfort or happiness?

150. Should I avoid any conversations or topics around the child?

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ONWE DAMIAN

Onwe Damian Chukwuemeka is a relationship and self-improvement coach, as well as a final-year law student at the University of Calabar, Nigeria. He has distinguished himself in leadership and service, and has held key positions such as Deputy Director of Public Prosecution in the Students’ Union Government and Justice of the Malabor High Court, University of Calabar, Nigeria. Learn more about him

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