As a child, young girl, I always loved babies! I just adored them, and still do! I started babysitting at about the age of 8 years old. I babysat a neighbors daughter that was 2 years old when her Mom had to go get her hair done, or her and her husband went to dinner. My Mom was always home, right next door, so if I had any difficulties I was able to have my Mom help me. I babysat till I was 16.
My parents placed me in a 'babysitters class', as soon as I was old enough. Then, I learned infant CPR, and the basics of caring for infants&toddlers. Alot of it was stuff I already knew, but it did make it easier for me to get jobs, with the parents knowing that I had taken this class.
So...today I was thinking about this, and called around to find out how to get my Grace into a class, being she is turning 12 this saturday, which is the general age specified to babsit, or be at home alone with other siblings in Oregon. Also, she could earn some money for summer activities with friends and family. I finally found a class, actually occurring Monday from 9a-4p. It is through the Red Cross. They said they will review: safety, care of the child, first aid, decision making skills & age appropriate play. I signed her up! I think this will be very good for her to atleast have this class, and the review, even if she doesn't end up babysitting this year. And, she will recieve a card indicating completion of the one day course to show parents that she may potentially babysit for. YAY!