How to Become an Excellent Babysitter

It's possible to earn a considerable amount of money by becoming an excellent babysitter. Be professional, acquire the proper training and get organized, to establish a regular clientele. Create a solid reputation in a demand market where the supply of excellent babysitters is limited.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Keep an accurate calendar of engagements and appointments. Write down babysitting jobs immediately to avoid a double booked schedule.

2. Take the Babysitter Training course offered by the American Red Cross (see Resources below). Spend 6 to 10 hours in training and receive a special certification, build confidence and competence and increase marketability.

3. Accept most opportunities to babysit, even if it means postponing minor personal plans sometimes. Remember that clients (parents) pay well for a babysitter that is available.

4. Keep a small spiral bound notebook for babysitting notes. Create an information page for each client. Include the complete street address and land line phone number, the name of both parents and their cell phone numbers and the names and ages of the children.

5. Make special notes for each client family. Include information about bedtime or bath rituals, food allergies and special snacks. Keep notes of any unusual events, amusing behaviors or phone messages.

6. Arrive a few minutes early in order to get last minute instructions from the parents. Dress comfortably and be nicely groomed. Make introductions with each child individually.

7. Behave throughout the evening as though the parents were present. Get permission to have a friend visit after the kids are in bed. Keep the house picked up, toys put away and dishes washed.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to friends and family members to get an idea of what to charge per hour.

• Never take a friend along to babysit or invite a friend to join you after the parents have left with permission. Wait until the relationship is established before making such a request.

Resources

• American Red Cross Babysitter Training Program.