How to Start a Babysitting Business for Twelve Year Olds

Babysitting is a good way for tweens and teens to earn extra money and learn about running a business.

A babysitting business is relatively easy to start. Teens and tweens can create a thriving business without investing huge amounts of time and money. A little time at a computer and some social networking -- which many kids do every day -- will get their business up and running in no time. Babysitting is one of the most desirable jobs for kids because it does not require a rigid schedule like most part-time jobs and often pays more than a typical fast-food establishment.

Things You'll Need

• Computer printer
• Art supplies
• Paper

Instructions

Research

1. Research babysitter training classes and sign up for one. These classes teach important skills such as caring for children of all ages, how to prepare safe and fun activities and how to handle emergencies. Be sure to pick a class that certifies in CPR or take a separate CPR class. Many sitters are certified through their local Red Cross, community college or online.

2. Decide with your parents how much time you can spend working per week. This will help avoid creating conflict with other responsibilities, including homework.

3. Decide on the ages and number of children you are willing to care fpr at one time. If a family has a large number of children, more than four or five, an additional sitter might be needed.

4. Discuss with your parents safety and comfort levels. Will you go to the homes of parents you don't know? Will new clients have to drop their children off? How will clients contact you? Are your parents comfortable with clients emailing and calling you from posted flyers?

5. Research games and activities for each age group: infants (up to age 1), toddlers (ages 2-4) and school age (ages 5-10). It is important to have activities prepared to keep the kids engaged. They will rave about you to their parents, which will create repeat business.

6. Research and set your rate. Find out how much sitters in your area charge and set your prices accordingly. Determine how you will charge. You could charge the same amount for each family. You could charge per child. You could charge per job or you could charge by the hour.

Marketing

1. Name your business. Include words in the title informing clients you are a babysitting service, i.e., "Meg's Babysitting" or "Johnson & Crew Childcare."

2. Create a fun flyer advertising your services. Make sure each flyer includes contact information, CPR and other babysitting certification information. Make sure everything is spelled correctly and easy to read.

3. Place flyers in neighborhood coffee houses, playgrounds, schools and churches. Make sure you ask permission for non-public bulletin boards and do not go into establishments that have a clear "no solicitation" sign.

4. Social network. Create a Facebook fan page, a MySpace page and a Twitter account for your business.

5. Create business cards for your company and include your company name, your name, business phone number and email address. These can be created using any publishing software and printed at home using cardstock, which you would carefully cut out, or on business card paper purchased at an office supply store. You also could have cards professionally made.

Tips & Warnings

• Behave professionally on every job. Word-of-mouth referrals are key to a successful babysitting business. Avoid long cellphone use and never invite friends without permission.

• Family and friends are good sources for potential clients. Ask them to help get the word out about your new business.

• Regarding taxes, most teens under 18 years of age who are full-time students will not have to pay taxes on their income as long as they earn less than the set amount for that year, see your tax professional for the exact amount.

• Safety is important. Take caution when meeting and sitting for new families. Set guidelines for accepting new clients.

• When children are entrusted to your care, make them your priority. Focus on them and their safety at all times.

• Use caution when social networking. Don't include personal information like your home address. If listing a phone number, be sure the phone number goes to a voicemail that can be screened by a parent. Also, do not post photos of clients and children without their permission.

References

• University of Illinois: "A Guide to the Business of Babysitting"

Resources

• University of Illinois: "A Guide to the Business of Babysitting"
• PBS Kids: "Babysitting: The Business"
• Sitters