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!