Martha Mason from The American Red Cross came to the library June 23 and 24 to conduct their well-known Babysitting Course. The training lasted for 3 days and the attendees received instruction on various topics related to the business of babysitting. They all are now CPR and First Aid certified babysitters!

The students were trained in leadership skills such as being a positive role model to the children they are watching. They learned how to effectively communicate with children and their parents as well. They practiced writing a newspaper ad, writing a resume, creating a business card, and going on an interview.

Other topics covered included being safe on the job, preventing accidents and injury, being prepared for weather emergencies, safety and toys, ages and stages of children, and common behavior challenges. They also learned how to feed and diaper babies and to care for older kids. They learned how to spot an emergency, how to respond, and when to call for help.

Gretchen Sanders, Blanco County Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences, led the last day’s activities which included making a “toolbox” for kids to take with them on babysitting jobs, which were filled with clever ideas for the teens to use while babysitting, such as games to play and art activities to do with kids. They also learned how to make peanut butter play dough, and to make a healthy snack.

If you’d like to sign up your child (ages 11 to 16) for the Red Cross Babysitter’s Training, please call Blanco Children’s Librarian Christine Bailey @ 833-4280 to get on a waiting list for the next class.