12+1 “Never” rules for au pairs looking after children

Here are some NEVER rules when you take care of childen!

• Never forget that looking after children is one of the most responsible jobs that you will ever have!
• Never leave a child alone for any length of time. Keep a regular eye out for what the child might be doing!
• Never leave pills, tablets, medicine, bleach, disinfectant or any potentially dangerous substance or chemical where a child could reach it - even if it is in a drawer, bag or box!
• Never give a child any container which contains anything that could be dangerous even if you think that the top is secured tightly!
• Never open a window, which a child could fall out of, or put anything in front of a window, which a child could climb up on!
• Always be wary of electricity. Children are fascinated by it. Never leave small metal objects lying around that a child could push into the socket!

• Never leave a flex or handle dangling over the edge of anything which a small child could pull - for example a hair dryer, kettle, the iron or a bag!
• Never put a hot drink, soup, the teapot or a saucepan within reach of the children. The same applies to sharp knives and scissors!
• Never leave a child alone whilst they are eating. Children can choke!
• Never leave a child alone while in the bath, even for a few seconds. Children can drown very quickly in shallow water!

• Never run the hot water into the bath first. A child may put a hand into the water running from the tap or slip into the bath and burn itself!
• Never do the ironing whilst you are looking after a child. Never leave the iron plugged in, whether or not it is on or off. When finished, always wind in the flex around the iron and put it well out of reach in an upright position. Never leave the iron on while you answer the telephone. It only takes a second for a child to burn itself!