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ADVICE | ON THE JOB | BABYSITTING

22 Comments | Add Yours

Be an awesome babysitter

 

Check these out, too...

  • Build your babysitting rep: 4 perf playtime ideas
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Babysitting season is right around the corner. Take a break from the pool and find some families in your neighborhood that need a nanny. It’s a great way to make cash and hang out with some cute kiddies. If you want to get asked back make sure you…

 

 

Are on time. Even better? Five minutes early.

 

Don’t cancel. You’re BFF is having a raging pool party at the same time you’re scheduled? You’ll have to miss the party. If you ditch last minute, you probably wont get asked back.

 

Come prepared! Have fun activities to do when it’s too hot to go outside. Find a cool Popsicle recipe or fun tie-dye kit.

 

Don’t empty the fridge. Most fams are cool with spotting some food, but don’t take the last piece of pie or have a gourmet meal.

 

Clean up after yourself and the kids. The house should look the same as when you got there.

 

Limit TV time. ‘Rents will be impressed if you cut back on the tube.

 

Are safe. Look both ways when crossing the street, be a lifeguard by the pool and insist on helmets when biking. If the kids get hurt, give them the proper attention and let the parents know ASAP.

 

Honor naptime. Kids are cranky when they don’t get enough shut-eye.

 

Dress appropriately. Messy two year olds and white silk shirts don’t go well together.

 

Get CPR certified. Parents will be way impressed. But being CPR certified is useful far beyond getting babysitting jobs. You could save someone’s life one day. Some schools have mandatory CPR courses. If yours doesn’t, visit your local red cross about a class. They can be price-y but are totally worth it, especially since most of the money is going to charity.
 
 
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BY MARISA DUNN ON 6/7/2012 3:02:00 PM

POSTED IN be a pro babysitter, be a safe sitter, how to be the best babysitter ever

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22 Comments | Add Yours
SORT: OLDEST FIRST | NEWEST FIRST
 

how do you know if you are ready to start babysitting?

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by jazzle on 8/31/2012 10:39:16 PM

 
 

MOD MOD MOD MOD!
I am just 13 have always thought babysitting was a cool way to make some cash, because it pays well, and moe importantly i love kids. I already know very well how to stay home alone, even go to sleep and make my self dinner when home alone and i thought that babysitting was a good thing to do instead of staying home alone because it keeps both the kiddie and I entertained.
so i am going to take a babysitting class, bu twhat i am not sure about is how to get my name out there, make myself have a great first impression, and the most.. how do i get a ride home when my parents are at work? to i ask the childs mom/dad to give me one? and how do i know they aren't creepy? 


Hey girl,

Typically with babysitting, your client's parents would be happy to drive you home. Try meeting with them (and the child) before the event so you will feel more comfortable with them, and don't be shy to ask for a ride. They will probably offer you one anyway! As for getting your name out there, you could post fliers on community bulletin boards in your town or put fliers beneath people's mailboxes in your neighborhood. Good luck!


Meghan D.

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by jazzle on 8/31/2012 10:35:23 PM

 
 

How do i get people to want to babysit their child? i have passed out TONS of flyers, passed out business cards, and emailed people about it. I have waited for 2 months, and i STILL haven't gotten any job openings.
I have had CPR training, i have a little brother, and have watched family friends' kids for them for free.
What else can i do? Help! Thank you!

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by sydtick99 on 8/12/2012 6:59:06 PM

 
 



MOD! MOD! MOD!
I have two questions for you.
First Question-I have neighbors down the street that want me to babysit them. (They have asked.) But it was a very casual question. (Like "The girls and I want you to babysit them." "Would you like to?") Should I tell them my phone # or would that be pushy?
Second Question- I babysit 2 boys that are VERY hyper. They are always moving. What should I do with them?

 

Hey girlie! If someone (even casually) asks you to babysit, giving them your phone number so they can call you if they need you isn't pushy at all- it's good business! Second, you want to tire them out, so do something that requires a lot of exercise.  Try making up a game with them that involves running around in their backyard. Here are a bunch more ideas:http://www.girlslife.com/tag/babysitting-activities.aspx.

 

xoxo 


Kate G.

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by greenbluepurple1 on 7/30/2012 3:04:00 PM

 
 



MOD MOD MOD!!!!!!!
im 12 years old. so im old enough to babysit. the only people i watch are my little 8 year old sister and her friends. i like to hang out with them and all, but i would like to at least get paid something. and i know my parents cant pay me money. but i want some. plz help
thanks <3

 

Hey! if your parents can't pay you, you should try asking neighborhood families if they need a babysitter. tell your folks to ask their friends too Smile 


Helen S.

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by <3watermelon<3 on 7/2/2012 7:03:23 PM

 
 



MOD MOD MOD
So around last fall I put up advertisements in my neighborhood and I only got one job cause the rain washed the marker away. Its been nice having a job, but I dont like the kids, and soon they wont need me cause their oldest is 11. I want to put up advertisements but I dont want to look rude have them think that I think they arent giving me enough money. How can I advertise without looking rude. (I have already made buisness cards that I hand out after church but havent gotten lucky.)




Hey girl!

I don't think it's rude to put up ads again. I'm sure the family you've been babysitting for will understand; they know their kids are getting older. Plus, it's totally OK to be working for more than one family. That happens all the time. They understand you need to make money. If you're not babysitting for them every day, you have other free days you can use to babysit for other people. 
Rachael A.

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by cuppycakes1056 on 6/25/2012 11:12:37 AM

 
 



MOD MOD MOD
i have a big decision to make. I have about 400 dollars. I have a D.C. trip in two years that will cost 1900 dollars. I also want a nice camera, or a kindle. Or maybe some beats headphones. I'm thinking I will buy a cheaper electronic, and then save the rest for D.C. What do you think?




Hey babe, sounds like a plan. Just make sure with the electronics that you don't go so cheap that they don't work. If ya have to spend a li'l more to get something reliable, go for it. Two years is a long time, and you can always get a job or ask for extra cash at holidays if you need some more by the time your trip rolls around. 
Carrie R.

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by georgetownroad on 6/20/2012 11:33:50 AM

 
 

how do you get the word out about babysitting???? Plz help.
and what does MOD mean?




Hey girl

Mod is just short for "moderator." You could post fliers, tell your family to tell their friends, or ask your friends if they know anyone. 




good luck--  
simone s.

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by ladysade24 on 6/14/2012 4:42:00 PM

 
 



MOD MOD MOD MOD!!!
I really want to earn some money and i love kids. I want to babysit. My mom knows im responsible, but she wont let me babysit (for real). Sometimes i watch kids while their parents are in meetings at our church, but my mom wont let me babysit alone without a guardian in the room or close by. i know that i am capable and so do the parents. How can i get my mom to let me do it?




Hey babe, the best thing to win over your mom's confidence is to take a Safe Sitter course, or at least a First Aid course. Go online and find one offered in your area. Smile 
Carrie R.

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by kstar813 on 6/12/2012 4:37:57 PM

 
 

If anybody needs advice on anything, leave a comment on my profile and I'll get back to you ASAP. Thanks!Smile

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by olivia192000 on 6/11/2012 10:05:37 AM

 
 

I babysit and in twelve.....

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by aladreams9 on 6/10/2012 12:03:14 PM

 
 

I baby sat before.... I like kids. 💗

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by amileofroses on 6/9/2012 7:44:30 PM

 
 

Hey Sami_McDoodle, spread the word that you're in the babysitting business. Post flyers around your neighborhood and school, and tell your family and friends to tell their family and friends. Once the word gets out that you babysit you'll be getting offers and probably from kids who are 4 and 6. Hope this helps! Xoxo



Mod mod mod please!
How do you get a babysitting job?
I also want to know how etch age group acts (I will NOT change dipers.) I was think 4 to 6 but I'm not sure. I don't know anybody with little kids so I'm not sure what to do, Thanks!(: Lynae P.

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by Sami_McDoodle on 6/9/2012 1:13:57 AM

 
 



MOD MOD
I don't know how to get babysitting clients. I am thirteen and our neighborhood has a bunch of little kids, but I am really shy about talking to them.




Hey girl!

Try making a flyer and putting it in all of your neighbors' mailboxes. This way, you don't have to go up to your neighbors' door and put yourself in an uncomfortable situation because you're shy.
Rachael A.

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by 5boys_1D on 6/8/2012 9:09:32 AM

 
 



Mod mod mod
Ok so I put a note in my moms car keys asking for a bra cause we were just going to wal mart and I literally saw her read the note and we got in the car, drove to wal mart she still didn't say anything, went shopping and she didn't say anything or do any thing just acted like she never saw the note but she did see it and she still hasn't bought me one, and I know I'm ready to cause every single girl in my class but me has a bra and I know that for a fact and half of those girls don't need one. I'm 11 by the way but what should I do?




Hey girl!

Your mom is probably just freaked out at how fast you're growing up! You should probably ask her face-to-face to take you to buy a bra. Explain that you would be more comfortable wearing one because your body is starting to develop. If you ask her yourself instead of in a note, there is no way she can ignore you. Good luck! 
Rachael A.

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by Sierra909 on 6/8/2012 1:28:30 AM

 
 

lol im taking a CPR corse right now !!!

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by gingeriscute22 on 6/8/2012 12:00:07 AM

 
 

Okay, 12 is WAY too young, I babysat a 12 year old, and I'm 15. My friend had to start baby sitting at 8, and she has so many life problems from growing up too fast

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by aqua_sunflower23 on 6/7/2012 11:45:57 PM

 
 



Mod Mod Mod!!!
I'm turning 12 soon and I really want to babysit but my parents won't let me. How can I show them I'm way responsible? I stay home alone, I have straight A-s, I clean up after myself, I don't waste my money blah blah blah. Help!!!




Hey girlie,

You said they "don't let you" - but why? You should sit down with them and have a mature conversation about it. Express how much you'd like to babysit and why (because you want to make money, because you think being around kids and learning how to take care of another person will help you grow, etc.), then ask them what is holding them back. Put yourself in their shoes and calmly figure out why they're saying no. It might just be an age thing - they could want you to wait until you're 13 or 14, which is annoying but totally understandable. Try to compromise with them and trust that they're making the best decision for you! <3 They'll respect the fact that you're going to them and being mature about what you want! 
Lauren C.

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by Sarah510 on 6/7/2012 8:03:47 PM

 
 

MOD MOD MOD
Tommorrow I'm going to the movies and idk to wear! I know its not a big deal but I don't want to look dumb in front of my friends.one of them is 14 and she's going through the time wear she hates younger kids (I'm 10) and I don't want that to happen to me. It's going to 86 degrees tommaro... About.
Thanks so much !

 

Hey girlie,

I would stick to a pair of skinny jeans, plain flats, and a flowy feminine tank. I'm loving lace and chiffon right now, and peach is totally the color of the season. (I just got a cute cropped, peach, polka dot top and I'm in love!) The important thing is to pick an outfit that you will feel confident wearing - if you look good (and like you KNOW you look good), that's the most powerful way to show you're mature! Smile

Lauren C.

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by Gabbyw123 on 6/7/2012 6:10:58 PM

 
 

I've been babysitting my whole life basically, but haven't taken a CPR course. I really want to,and am probably going to, for safety reasons, but MAN, they are expensive!

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by marym on 6/7/2012 5:54:24 PM

 
 

Cool! Laughing

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by Princess Keziyah on 6/7/2012 5:31:16 PM

 
 

Great tips! One thing is bring a change of clothes, just in case!

report

by rainyseattlegirl on 6/7/2012 3:35:15 PM

 
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