To babysit means to take care of someone else's children for a short period of time, usually while the parents are out. A teenager might babysit the neighbor's kids on Saturday night, making sure they eat dinner, brush their teeth, and get to bed on time. The person doing this job is called a babysitter.

Babysitting requires real responsibility. As the babysitter, you're the person in charge of keeping the children safe, handling problems if they arise, and making good decisions when the parents aren't there. A good babysitter knows basic first aid, can stay calm during a tantrum, and understands when to call the parents if something goes wrong.

Many young people start babysitting around age twelve or thirteen as their first real job, learning skills like time management, problem-solving, and how to earn someone's trust. Parents want babysitters who are mature, reliable, and capable, which is why the best babysitters get hired again and again.