Let's begin by learning more about babysitting, child development, and child safety. If you've read this far, you must genuinely like kids! That's the first step. Becoming familiar with how to work with, play with, and care for children is the next step, even if you feel that you are a "natural" when it comes to interacting with kids.
Every child of any age has unique qualities: a three-year-old boy will need your constant attention, unlike a seven-year-old, who may need your guidance in specific activities. How will you keep children active and busy? How will you ensure their safety? How can you earn a parent's trust?
It's time to do some research. Start by investigating these web resources. Then complete the assignment below.
Babysitting Basics (Nemours Foundation)- This site has three basic rules to keep in mind when babysitting. There are also links to related articles and more resources.
Babysitting Handbook (Youth Online)- The information on this site is categorized for easy searching. Topics include handouts, planners, and even suggestions for books that could be read to children of all ages!
Babysitting Tips (Phoenix Police Department) - The information provided on this site includes “Do’s and Don’ts” of babysitting, first aid information, and a checklist for your babysitting job. The checklist could be used to demonstrate to parents how prepared and educated the babysitter is before beginning the job.
Family Fun: Games (Family Fun) - This site has access to games, crafts, and other activities. There are simple games that babysitters could use if they find themselves needing something to do with the children.
Fun Activities (ABC Teach) - This site has links to coloring pages, crafts, and games. Each game has a description along with situations in which it could be used.
How to Babysit (wikiHow) - This site has a comprehensive list of how to be a successful babysitter by providing a step-by-step guide.
So You Wanna Babysit an Infant? (Demand Media, Inc.) - This website has an extensive article on caring for infants. The information is sorted into five categories including holding the baby and changing the baby’s diaper.
Assignment: Create a porfolio or list of activities and materials to take with you to a babysitting job. Sort the activities and materials by the age of the child. Use a software program, like Microsoft Word or Inspiration to make a professional looking plan that can be shared with parents. (Click the programs to see examples.)
2. To be considered a trustworthy, highly-skilled, and even professional babysitter, many parents will ask if you have taken a certified babysitting and child-safety course. Use these resources to locate a course in your area:
Babysitter’s Training Course (American Red Cross) - The site has lots of information on safety and first aid plus several checklists for babysitters. There is also information on ordering a first aid kit and signing up for a Red Cross First Aid training session.
Safe Sitter (Safe Sitter organization) - This is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the training of babysitters. There is a U.S. map to help users find locations at which they can take the Safe Sitter class.
Now it's time to apply the knowledge you have gained about babysitting and working with children. Let's shape this knowledge into something you can use...like a plan for your babysitting business!
- Start by investigating the following websites about developing a babysitting business. Then complete the assignment below.
- A Guide to the Business of Babysitting (University of Illinois extension) - This site not only provides an overview of caring for children at different ages, but suggestions for starting your own babysitting business including a tool to make your own advertisement.
- Babysitting: A Guide for Babysitters (BUPA) - This site has some helpful tips on talking to parents. It has questions you should ask, how much you should charge, and how to handle awkward situations with parents.
Assignment: Use the interactive tool at "A Guide to the Business of Babysitting" to make your own flyer to print and distribute to parents. Remember:
Decide how much you are going to charge. Will you charge a flat fee per child? Will you charge by the hour? Use "How Much Should I Charge?" to help you decide.
Discuss this process with your own parents or caretakers. Try using "Communicating with your Parents about Babysitting." Your family members should be aware that you have potential clients calling your home. Your parents could have valuable insights and suggestions too. After all, they may have had experience hiring babysitters when you were a child!
It is helpful to have references. These are people who can confidently discuss your abilities with children. They could be relatives, neighbors, or other respectable adults who know you well.
How will you distribute this flyer? You may want to be selective when you first begin. Start with families you know in your own neighborhood. That way you are close to your own home for transportation purposes.
If you are not satisfied with the flyer created by this interactive tool, use a program such as Microsoft Publisher to create your own. (Click the program name to see a sample.) Just don't forget to include all necessary information!
As your babysitting business gets going, there are some other actions that you should take in order to ensure your success!
- Evaluating your performance as a babysitter will help you learn and ensure that you are continually successful.
- Consider using an electronic survey using a tool such as Survey Monkey. See this example: Babysitting Survey. You can create your own survey, e-mail the link to parents, or leave it with a note about their child's time spent with you.
- Use this feedback, no matter how good or bad, to improve and grow!
- Another important aspect of your business is to keep track of the money that you earn.
- Try using a spreadsheet in a program like Microsoft Excel to help you keep track of your finances. (Click the program name to see a sample.) This could be helpful in communicating with parents as well as allowing you to keep track of your jobs.