This one's for the parents...

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!

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!

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.