babysitting guide

Hi! I know what your thinking What has she been doing that is so important that she can't blog?!?! Well it's been really crazy at my house with the new baby then Christmas and then starting school again. It's been crazy! So anyways today I thought I would give some babysitting tips (no I'm not a professional)


Where do I get babysitting jobs?

Start by getting to know some people with kids. You could put out the add at the library or the YMCA (I have never don't it before) but I think that it's WAY better doing it for someone you know.

Second get the word out talk to people let them know you are interested in babysitting. One great way to do that is by handing out you "Business Card" for example....

 

Babysitting

your name here

your phone# here

your email here

 ^

you can add cute clip art too for color.



I handed like 15 out to some of the people with young kids at my church and within days I was getting jobs left and right.

Another way to let people know you would like to babysit is taking interest in there kids. If the kids love you they will most likely ask there parents if you can babysit for them sometime (that has happened to me many times)


When I do get a job what do I do with the kids?!?

Whenever I go to a babysitting job I sometimes bring already made batter, cake mix etc..(don't mix everything there the parents might no be to happy about the mess ;) have the kids help your roll the cookies or something they love to do it!

Also crafts are always a good thing to bring. You could bring some colored paper, and tape over so you can make paper chains. Or you could bring some crayons and paper (if they don't have any) and have the kids draw a picture for their parents (the parents always love to know that they didn't watch TV the whole time!)

Games are great too! Bring a game that fairly easy so any range of kids could play. something with not many pieces so they won't choke or loose them.


What do I do when the kids are asleep?
Bring a book or an Ipod if the parents say you can watch a movie feel free! be sure you stay awake (unless they say it's alright if you fall asleep) no parent's like to come home seeing the babysitter they are paying asleep on the couch!



How to KEEP the babysitting jobs you already have!

Clean up! Don't leave the house a mess when they come back! Try to make it better than it was when you came!



What if I don't feel confident enough to stay home by myself with the kids?!
Try gaining experience by starting out as a Mothers Helper (where you go to a persons house and help out while the parents are still home) It is a great way to get more comfortable and get babysitting clients!


Hope this helped!
Emily