How to Start a Babysitting Service

Series Summary

Planning a romantic evening out of the house, away from the kids? What should be expected when leaving a babysitter in charge of your children and home? Babysitting is a job traditionally performed by teenagers with some relation to the family. Of course this is also a stereotypical setting for dozens of horror films, but it doesn’t have to be the terrifying scenario for parents that it’s often portrayed to be. Babysitters are often employed on Friday and Saturday nights, so that parents can enjoy a relaxing evening out in order to rejuvenate from the hectic work weeks. Babysitting is both a job and a much needed service for those that normally are unable to escape the home life. In this free video series on babysitting, general education teacher Andrea Orta Mashburn discusses several topics related to babysitters and babysitting. Mashburn begins by explaining how to set up a babysitting service and become a good babysitter. She then explains a few important facts about babysitting, how to play interactive games, advertise and find babysitting jobs. She even discusses medical release forms and summer babysitting positions. Watch these free videos and learn more about babysitting today.

Video Transcript

"Hi, my name is Andrea Orta Mashburn and today I'm going to discuss how to start your own babysitting business. There's some simple steps that you can take while wanting to start your own babysitting business. The first step that you need to be taking is training, gaining a little bit of experience. Training can encompass anything from getting first aid, to CPR certified, to just making sure that you have experience doing the job. Make sure to remember that your own brothers and sisters can be great experience for you, as well as local neighbors who live nearby. The second step you need to take is figure out your schedule. When are you available to babysit? How long are you available to babysit? Is this something you can offer them on a weekly basis, or only on certain days? Make sure you have an understanding of your own schedule before you make any commitments to babysitting. The third step you can take when wanting to pursue your own babysitting business is simply to advertise. You can advertise by flyers, by running an add in a newspaper, by talking to family and friends, community members, church members, and then even looking online, and posting positions. Make sure no matter what, that you make yourself readily available and that you network yourself properly. The fourth thing you need to do when looking to pursue your own babysitting business, is that you have a babysitting backpack. This backpack needs to be filled with not only first aid supplies, but as well as things you can do with the child, or the children involved. This can be coloring books, crafts activities, anything that you may find useful when babysitting. Remember sometimes just by introducing a new activity, you can calm them down and also collect and gather their attention. You also need to remember that you're providing these individuals with great customer service. When you get a job, make sure to thank them. At the end of the evening, or the end of the night, make sure to thank them. Sometimes writing a simple thank you note would be appropriate. Or, you may even want to go and stop by on one day, and just knock on the door and let them know how much you really enjoyed babysitting their child, or children. Sometimes by just putting in that positive note, parents will be more than likely to call you once again. Finally, when beginning your babysitting business, don't be afraid to charge more, especially when the expectations of the parents are more involved. The longer you babysit the more inclined you are to charge more. Make sure that the parent understands your expectations, as well as you have an understanding of theirs. So, make sure guys, that you're not getting overpaid, and that you're not getting underpaid. So, remember be dependable, be safe, and always be on time."