How to Make Money Babysitting at Churches, Health Clubs and Daycares

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By mommykerrie
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Love kids? Make money!

Times are tough. Maybe your spouse has been laid off from his or her job. Maybe you've recently realized just how expensive daycare is. Or perhaps you've just had another child and want to stay home permanently but don't want to lose your mind (or all of your income).

This is the first installment of many on how to make money without having to hire a babysitter. Babysitting at churches, health clubs, daycares can keep your schedule busy, your kid occupied and your bank account full.

Benefits include: health clubs usually pay you with money AND a membership; your older kids can do their homework at the site and can even help out; your kids get a preschool-type experience free of charge; you can choose only the jobs you want to do and can set the "busy-ness" of your schedule. Expect to make from $6-12/hour, usually paid by check with taxes taken out.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Telephone
Computer with Internet access
A love for kids

Step 1

Do an Internet search for "(your city) health clubs childcare" and "(your city) daycare." Collect information for local health clubs, large churches with events (e.g., Love and Logic classes, concerts, seminars) and daycares (including those at community and technical colleges).
Step 2

Call each business or church to inquire if they need sitters and if you can bring your own child(ren) along. If they don't need help, ask if they can put your name on a list, as turnover can be high in these positions.
Step 3

Keep track of who you have contacted so you aren't caught off-guard when they call you back.
Step 4

Be professional (no sweatpants, cell phone calls or text messaging).
Step 5

Keep track of all jobs on a calendar, and show up on time.
Step 6

Keep excellent financial and time records for tax time and to confirm you are receiving all the pay you are due.

Tips & Warnings

To keep immaculate records, make a manila file folder for each "client." In it, you can keep contracts, pay stubs and information about the health club, daycare or church.
Some churches don't let you contact the parents if their child is crying for long periods of time, so be ready to console crying kids for the duration of the babysitting period.
Some parents don't want to be bothered even if their child cries for long periods of time, so be prepared to console kids who want their parent.