1. Get certified.
Parents are more likely to hire Red Cross certified babysitters. These classes teach what to do in emergencies and other ways to be a smart babysitter. Classes are usually one day for a few hours and can be found locally. Click here for more info and to find local classes.
2. Find connections.
This process can be long and grueling… that is, if you don’t think smart. I suggest not posting fliers in public places, but it’s a definite possibility. But think creatively- do you have a younger sibling? If so, talk to his/her friends’ parents as to whether they may need a babysitter. I found connections through my ballet school, in which I was inquired to babysit some younger students. My other connection came from a younger student’s mother who had a neighbor who needed babysitting. You never know where you can find parents in need of a babysitter!
3. Make your rules.
As a younger babysitter still in school, you should have some general guidelines for babysitting. Work with your parents to come up with these rules. Examples are: no babysitting on a school night, no babysitting past 10 o’clock, no babysitting more than 3 children, no babysitting longer than 5 hours, et cetera.
4. Set a rate
Especially as a babysitter that can’t drive, and therefore can’t transport children to and from activities or drive yourself to a job, you should have a reasonable rate. I use the form of $5/hr for the first child and an additional 1$/hr for every next child. So the rate for babysitting 3 children would be $7 an hour. Most parents are willing to pay this.
5. Interview
This step is your option, but it’s a very good idea to have one meeting before babysitting the children on your own. It’s best to have a “playdate” with the child(ren), their parents, and your parents in which you can share your rules and rate. In this meeting, you can also see whether you find it doable to babysit the child(ren). At this meeting, you can share the dates and times you are available or even set a date for the next time.
6. Prepare, prepare, prepare
Before going to babysit, determine whether you will need to cook dinner, put the children to bed, et cetera. It is best to configure a list or print something along the lines of this document in order to get the information that you need from the parents.
7. Know your stuff
After taking the Red Cross class, you should have a booklet as to what to do in an emergency, et cetera. You may want to take this book along or have in your mind what to do in an emergency.
8. Smile :)
This is going to be fun!
This is going to be fun!
