Babysitting is one of the most popular jobs for teenagers. They are crucial to parents who need time away from their kids, working parents or when they have an important event to attend.
Some teenagers use babysitting as their source of income, but some who want to babysit have no clientele base and no clue how to start, which is normal. While learning as you go is the most popular answer you receive, it is not always the most helpful.
When jumping into the babysitting business, it is helpful to start with close family friends who trust you. Even if the parents are at the house but are unable to watch their kids, you are able to ask questions to get a good understanding.
Beginning with one child at an older age, preferably in elementary school, helps give the sitter a viewpoint on what it is like to babysit. Younger children often require more attention than older kids who are more self sufficient and independent.
Generating a rate is also key when starting a babysitting business. The number of kids, their ages and how long you are babysitting are factors that need to be taken into account.
“The going rate is usually around $10-$20 an hour,” Coppell parent Catherine Lacey said. “You can increase your rate as you get more experience.”
Asking questions is one of the most important and simple tasks to becoming a reliable babysitter. Inquiring about information such as multiple ways to contact parents, address, allergies, medical conditions is helpful to ask for to ensure if an emergency occurs.
Interacting with kids is the job of the babysitter and learning to be patient with them is essential. Always being ready to adjust your itinerary to fit the kids wants and not overwhelming them can help you bond.
“You have to match your energy based on the kid; if you do too much or too little, the kid will not respond well,” said Coppell High School 2023 graduate Presley Watkins, who has been a babysitter for six years.
Parents prefer when you interact with the kids instead of watching television the entire time. Kids have a lot of energy most of the time and eventually will want to do something active. Being willing to play board games and go to the park with the child can change the child’s perspective on you.
“It is not all about who parents want to babysit, it’s also about us kids having fun, too,” Grapevine Faith Christian School third grader Grant Lacey said.
Watching children will not be easy all of the time. This is where communication comes in. Communicating with the parent can inform them that there is a problem and how you should handle it further.
“It’s about being open and honest about the people you’re working with,” Catherine Lacey said “Sometimes it comes across as a sign of weakness, but really it’s addressing the issue you want to approve that could really be seen as responsibility.”
Babysitting can be a difficult task when you are inexperienced, but you do not have to have experience with kids to start babysitting. Communication is key and will guide you to success in the babysitting world.
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