LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- Parents say that good babysitters are hard to find, according to a new American Red Cross poll.
Responses show that in the past 24 months, 55 percent of parents surveyed canceled plans away from home because they couldn't find a babysitter. The survey also found that nearly a third of parents rejected a potential babysitter because of safety concerns.
Parents prefer to entrust their children to babysitters trained in first aid, CPR and childcare skills. "It can be hard for parents to trust someone to care for their children when they're not at home. It's only natural to want someone who isn't just a loving playmate but who is also trained in what to do during an emergency," stated American Red Cross in Arkansas Communications Officer, Brigette Williams. "Red Cross babysitter courses help teens feel fully prepared to act quickly to aid a child if needed with critical training, which parents really value."
The Red Cross babysitting, CPR and first aid courses teach teens how to care for infants as well as young children during emergency and non-emergency situations. The American Red Cross Babysitter's Training course gives 11-15 year olds the knowledge and confidence to care for children from infants to school-age.
"Teens considering babysitting will be happy to know more than 80 percent of parents believe sitters should be paid more if they are trained to help a child," stated Williams. Skills learned during the Red Cross course teaches students to identify various events that could occur from when a child is choking and how to help, to recognizing potential emergency situations and items that could be hazardous to small children. First aid instruction is also included for aid for minor cuts and bruises.
More than three in four parents surveyed with children younger than 17, believe a sitter should be trained prior to caring for children.
Caring for children can be a lucrative opportunity for teens. Nearly a quarter of adults pay between $6-$10 an hour for someone to watch their children. Ten percent pay $11-$15 an hour, with four percent shelling out $16-$20 an hour.
Whether you're a teenager or adult, you can boost your lifesaving skills by enrolling in CPR and First Aid courses. To learn more about Red Cross training courses, or to sign up for Babysitter Training or the two day Babysitter Camp which certifies students in First Aid/CPR, please visit www.arkansasredcross.org
(Source: American Red Cross)