Shadow Someone

  Not so sure you’re cut out for crustless grilled cheese sammies and endless rounds of "Sorry"?  Tag along with an older sis or your BFF on her next sitting gig. Clear it with the family first—some parents get weird...

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Get Your (Rubber) Ducks In A Row

  The first step in babysitting is finding some—duh!—babies.  But be realistic about what you can handle. If newborns are out of your league, let people know you sit for potty-trained tots only. Start by letting all your neighbors and...

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Drumming Up Babysitting Business

  Before your start eyeballing that new wardrobe, you should probably line up some jobs. Some lucky girls inherit sitting jobs from older sisters who move on to bigger and better things (“Would you like fries with that?”), but most...

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Spread the Word

  Now that you’ve passed your babysitting course with flying colors, let’s drum up some business! Ask friends for glowing recommendations to get your Nikes in the door. Next time a bud is in a jam and can’t take a...

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Meet The Smiths

  Before a first gig, arrive about 15 minutes early. Rest assured, the folks will spell out the essentials, but be prepped with a list of questions or concerns. Have a pen and pad to jot down the necessary contact...

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House Rules

  Parents probably have a few rules that apply to you, so respect that. First comes food. Unless the parents have specified that the fridge is free game, assume it’s off limits.  Eating before a babysitting gig is a good...

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Mess Success

  Parents appreciate coming home to neat-and-tidy, so pick up the toys and put away the “tent” supplies. As for red-juice disasters? Do your best to erase them. Stain solutions and cleaning supplies are usually stashed under the kitchen sink...

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Win Over The Kids In 60 Secs or Less.

  Get a house tour from your toughest customers—the kids. Have them point out everything from their bedrooms to their fave hiding spots. Take it from one GL reader, “It’s a great way to learn about the kids and the...

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5 Questions Every Future Super Sitter Needs to Ask Herself

  Is babysitting right for you? Before you prepare to battle dirty diapers and play 100 rounds of peek-a-boo with a five-month-old baby, answer these simple questions to see if babysitting is the job for you! •    Do you like kids...

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Brat Patrol: Keep the Kiddies in Line

  A good babysitter is fun and responsible. Kids can get into trouble in the blink of an eye, so don’t get preoccupied with reruns while the kids are outside on the swingset.  You must be supervising them at all times...

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