What should babysitters do if they have concerns about a child’s well-being?

It is important for babysitters to communicate any concerns about a child's well-being directly to the parents. This ensures that the child's guardians are made aware of any potential issues that could impact the child's health or safety. Parents have a greater understanding of their child's history and may be able to provide context or insight that a babysitter may not have, which can be crucial for addressing any concerns appropriately.

By calling the parents to inform them, babysitters fulfill their responsibility to ensure the child's safety and well-being. This proactive approach can help in making informed decisions about how to address any observed behaviors or incidents. Open lines of communication between babysitters and parents are essential for fostering trust and collaboration in the caregiving process.

In contrast, discussing concerns directly with the child might lead to misunderstandings or may not yield useful information, given that children may not fully express or understand their own feelings. Ignoring concerns can jeopardize the child's safety, and keeping a journal, while potentially useful for tracking behavior over time, does not address immediate concerns without parental involvement.