How do you find a responsible, reliable, trustworthy babysitter?
Well, first off think of people you know, talk to other parents that already have a babysitter. Or think of friends that have older kids that you would feel comfortable leaving your children with. That's the most common way, in past posts, I've explained to potential babysitters that they need to get their names out there so that parents like you can find them and contact them.
Another way to find a babysitter when looking for one would be online. I know it seems sketchy to look online but there are many babysitting services in your area that have websites that are actually legit. Also online you can find nanny services which are along the same line as babysitters but may be a little more costly and usually a nanny would watch your kids a few times a week rather than just one night. Google is an easy way to search for these types of things.
Some babysitting websites are ...
www.phoneababysitter.com
www.babysitters4hire.com
www.4nanny.com
www.nannies4hire.com
Those are just a few ideas and hints for locating a babysitter. Good Luck and hope you find a good one!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Get your name out there!
Sure you can be referred as a babysitter to different families but you need to sell yourself. You have to get your name out there! Make flyers, create a blog, carry business cards around with you, do whatever it takes.
Of course you have to start somewhere but advertise your services. Tell your parents you want to get into babysitting and have them tell their co-workers about your services and that's a great way to start.
Like I always say, stay positive, keep working hard and it will pay off in the end!
Good luck!
Of course you have to start somewhere but advertise your services. Tell your parents you want to get into babysitting and have them tell their co-workers about your services and that's a great way to start.
Like I always say, stay positive, keep working hard and it will pay off in the end!
Good luck!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Babysitting Books
Recently I looked into some books on babysitting. The picture posted to the right is the Ultimate Baby-Sitter's Handbook. It's an easy read and is very affordable. The book has everything you need to know about the babysitting business. It's a good idea for teenagers to read this book if starting to get into babysitting. It gives you tips on activities, keeping the kids busy, how to handle emergencies, some do's and don's plus so much more. It even can give you some confidence if you are becoming to feel nervous and unsure about babysitting. It has great funny pictures to relax you. This book is just one of the many babysitting books.Another good handbook to look into is, What to Expect Baby-Sitter's Handbook. This handbook has a whole section of Q and A's along with tips on caring for kids, infant to pre-schoolers. It also has some common questions that you could remember to ask the parents before they leave you with the kids.
Reading books, handbooks, blogs and anything having to do with babysitting will really give you confidence in the babysitting world.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Helpful Tips
Do you want to have a great babysitting repuation around town? If you want repeat babysitting clients, here are some tips that could help...
Give the parents a report when they get home, make sure the parents know if the child didn't finish their dinner, or if they were good listeners. Let them know anything that stands out in your mind, good or bad things.
Always remember to be honest, if something broke in the house while they were out, let them know. Don't let them find out later because then they most likely won't want you back again to babysit.
Don't complain to the parents, let them know if something is bothering you but never complain about what kind of food they have in the house or if they don't have cable tv, things like that.
Remember to clean up after you do something. Being a babysitter doesn't mean you are a maid, but keep the houe tidy and make sure it is left the way it was when you got there.
At the end of the night, let the parents know you enjoyed watching their children and would love to come back again and babysit.
Just a few tips to keep in mind, good luck!
Give the parents a report when they get home, make sure the parents know if the child didn't finish their dinner, or if they were good listeners. Let them know anything that stands out in your mind, good or bad things.
Always remember to be honest, if something broke in the house while they were out, let them know. Don't let them find out later because then they most likely won't want you back again to babysit.
Don't complain to the parents, let them know if something is bothering you but never complain about what kind of food they have in the house or if they don't have cable tv, things like that.
Remember to clean up after you do something. Being a babysitter doesn't mean you are a maid, but keep the houe tidy and make sure it is left the way it was when you got there.
At the end of the night, let the parents know you enjoyed watching their children and would love to come back again and babysit.
Just a few tips to keep in mind, good luck!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Q & A
Kelli Brackeen is a well known and popular babysitter in the Ocean County, NJ area. She has been babysitting for a variety of families for many years. I recently interviewed her on thoughts and skills of babysitting.
Q: How did you become a babysitter?
A: At my church I began volunteering as a young teenager in the nursery. I always loved being around kids so this was the jumpstart to my babysitting career. My first clients were the kids that I watched in the nursery at church. Then from there people kept referring me to more and more families.
Q: What is your favorite part of being around kids all the time?
A: Kids are such an inspiration at all times. If you are having a bad day they can cheer you up. They are always excited to see you and they always have positive attitudes. Watching kids all day can be much better than having to work with adults. They are always willing to listen and children have the best stories. They really are just a blast.
Q: Do you have a set rate per hour or do you let the parents decide your pay?
A: I have an average price range of $10 an hour, that is the going rate in my area. But it all depends on how many kids I will be watching and the amount of time. Some families I watch every day so I get paid weekly but others are only weekends. It all depends on the circumstances.
Q: What are some qualities you think parents look for in a good babysitter?
A: The top qualities I think would be reliable, responsible, passionate, trustworthy and experienced. They also will look for someone who can be calm under pressure and has good problem solving skills. All parents are different but those are some qualities that I personally have and that I would look for in someone looking after my children.
Q: Are there any certifications required to be a babysitter?
A: If you are working for a company, CPR and First Aid certifications are usually required but independant babysitters have no requirements. It is a plus to have your CPR and First Aid certifications and parents would choose someone with these over someone without.
Q: What tips or advice would you give to a young person thinking about starting to babysit?
A: I would say just be confident. You have to have a passion for kids to really become a good babysitter. Start off small with just one child and have it be someone you know, then move on from there. Your name becomes known if you do a great job and are memorable. Have fun with the kids and have fun with the job, it can lead you to good things in life. Just don't give up!
Q: How did you become a babysitter?
A: At my church I began volunteering as a young teenager in the nursery. I always loved being around kids so this was the jumpstart to my babysitting career. My first clients were the kids that I watched in the nursery at church. Then from there people kept referring me to more and more families.
Q: What is your favorite part of being around kids all the time?
A: Kids are such an inspiration at all times. If you are having a bad day they can cheer you up. They are always excited to see you and they always have positive attitudes. Watching kids all day can be much better than having to work with adults. They are always willing to listen and children have the best stories. They really are just a blast.
Q: Do you have a set rate per hour or do you let the parents decide your pay?
A: I have an average price range of $10 an hour, that is the going rate in my area. But it all depends on how many kids I will be watching and the amount of time. Some families I watch every day so I get paid weekly but others are only weekends. It all depends on the circumstances.
Q: What are some qualities you think parents look for in a good babysitter?
A: The top qualities I think would be reliable, responsible, passionate, trustworthy and experienced. They also will look for someone who can be calm under pressure and has good problem solving skills. All parents are different but those are some qualities that I personally have and that I would look for in someone looking after my children.
Q: Are there any certifications required to be a babysitter?
A: If you are working for a company, CPR and First Aid certifications are usually required but independant babysitters have no requirements. It is a plus to have your CPR and First Aid certifications and parents would choose someone with these over someone without.
Q: What tips or advice would you give to a young person thinking about starting to babysit?
A: I would say just be confident. You have to have a passion for kids to really become a good babysitter. Start off small with just one child and have it be someone you know, then move on from there. Your name becomes known if you do a great job and are memorable. Have fun with the kids and have fun with the job, it can lead you to good things in life. Just don't give up!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Infant and Toddler
When babysitting more than one kid, it can be tough. To be more specific, an infant and toddler, how do you balance the two?
Safety is always the first priority but having fun is a big part also. The infant will most likely want to be watching and observing what is going on around him or her or just be held. Infants also sleep a lot more than toddlers so when the baby is sleeping, you can have some one on one time with the toddler.
The toddler may become jealous if the infant is being held and getting alot of the attention. A good idea would be to find an easy arts and craft project for the toddler to engage in. Even just coloring can keep their attention for a while. Some parents don't like their children watching too much television but if the parents are ok with it, tv shows or putting on a movie is always a good way to take the attention away from everything and give yourself some down time.
Babysitting an infant and toddler can become challenging at times but you get the best of both worlds with the different ages. Kids are so much fun and can always put you in a good mood!
Below is a link that has free coloring print outs as well as some arts and crafts ideas for toddlers.
Monday, February 16, 2009
How much to charge for babysitting?
When it comes to babysitting privately, getting paid may become awkward. Is it decided before you go and babysit or do you just wait to see what you are paid at the end of the shift? The typical amount for a younger person would be around $10 an hour. If you are older and have more experience and have more responsbility, then $15 an hour would be the sufficient amount to be paid. From experience, $10 an hour is the going rate in most households but there are exceptions where you get more or less. I'm not guarenteeing this is what you get paid when starting a new babysitting job but the link below explains more in detail about getting paid.
http://www.sitters.com/howmuchtocharge.aspx
http://www.sitters.com/howmuchtocharge.aspx
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