I Want to Start Babysitting
Dear FAANTeen,
My parents have finally agreed to let me start baby-sitting. Unfortunately, I’m allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. How do I tell the kids’ parents about my allergies and make sure the kids won’t throw a fit if they can’t have peanut butter?
Having a food allergy makes you unique in some regards. But rather than worry about how that uniqueness may be a detriment to your babysitting opportunities, look at it this way: your food allergies show that you’re probably light-years ahead of most teens in terms of maturity.
The fact that you know how to read labels, make smart food choices, and avoid ingredients that would cause you to have a reaction shows that you’re very capable and responsible — qualities parents look for in a babysitter. So don’t fret — the very thing you’re so worried about may actually help you get more babysitting jobs in the long run!
Food allergies or no food allergies, when you first start babysitting, it’s always a good rule of thumb to go over and meet the family you’ll be sitting for beforehand. It will give you a chance to get to know the kids, talk to the family, learn the family rules, and get comfortable with the house, pets, and so forth. It will make the parents much more comfortable having you watch their children, and it will get the kids excited about having you as a babysitter.
Be prepared to answer some questions about food allergies and to offer some menu options. Also, you will want to make sure the family doesn’t accidentally leave peanut butter smears on the counter or do something that inadvertently will cause you to have a reaction. You may even want to suggest that they call your parents if they have more questions. By showing the family that you’re responsible and open about your food allergies, they’ll come to see them as something that can be successfully managed.
Finally, on the big day, go over armed with a big smile, some games for the kids to play, and your medications safely tucked away in your backpack. I promise that if you show up with some fun activities planned, the kids won’t give PB&J a second thought.
Good luck and have fun!
Marguerite is a 24-year-old graduate of the College of William and Mary. She lives in northern Virginia and likes to run, write, and cook.
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The information above is not designed to take the place of a doctor’s instructions. Patients are urged to contact a doctor for specific information regarding guidelines for care.
