Layla, baby sitter in Clacton-on-sea

A great child carer is one that puts children at the centre of all situations. This means that whilst it is important to fulfil the children and their needs - to remain aware that you are a role model and important figure shaping their early years. A great child carer is one that is able to engage in imaginative play with the children or provide tasks that will keep the children motivated and entertained.

It is important to assist with a continuing learning experience - for younger children this could be reading, playing suitable music or providing sensory activities. For older children this could be introducing educational reading, websites or games to ensure that learning doesn't become a boring task. It is important for children to also have a break from education and be children - so providing non-educational yet suitable games or activities are also important to help the children relax.

It is important to be sensitive to children and their emotional needs, being a shoulder to lean on after a disappointing day at school or for younger children a comforter, especially when they are unable to vocalise their specific needs.

A child carer isn't just a carer but also a friend for children and whilst it is important that there is boundaries applied, it is also very important that they are able to vocalise their concerns to you around possible problems that could arise such as bullying or sharing. Openness is important especially as this can be relayed to parents and gives them a good indication as to why children may sometimes act out of character.