Babysitting… For many teens and tweens it is the very first job they’ll ever have and it is much more work than it may sound. Sure it seems like an easy gig, looking after a neighbors kid or kids for a few hours while the adults are away but it’s actually one of the biggest responsibilities any person can have. So just what do you need to know to be a good babysitter? Let’s take a look!
BABYSITTING BASICS
How much should I charge?
The going rate for babysitting depends on a few factors but as a general rule $3 to $5 per hour is a good starting point. The things you should consider when setting a rate include;
- The number of kids you’ll be caring for, more kids should mean a higher hourly fee.
- The time of day you’ll be caring for the kids, if it’s a daytime thing your rate should be a bit higher as you’ll likely be expected to entertain the children, at night it’s likely the kids will spend the bulk of their time in bed so your hourly fee should go down. If you’re needed overnight you may even want to consider offering a flat rate.
- The ages of the children, baby’s and toddlers require much more work than older children and need a considerable amount of attention. If a child is not yet potty trained or is still learning your fee should be higher than if they are older and able to do some things for themselves.
- Your experience and training, the less you have the less you should expect to make.
Do I need special training or a certificate to baby-sit?
No, in most jurisdictions you do not need special training or a babysitting certificate in order to lawfully do the job but many babysitters find that taking a course is very helpful. Not only does it build up your confidence but it teaches you some pretty vital skills such as; basic first aid, recognizing signs of poisoning, how to contact poison control in your area, what to say to police or paramedics in an emergency, how to remain calm in a crisis, how to talk to 911, the essential information you must know and have ready for 911 operators, and other important safety measures. Although many of the things you are taught in these courses may seem like common sense the true value of the lesson comes in the practice. By familiarizing yourself with emergency and non-emergency events they are less frightening if/when they occur in real life. As well as safety training babysitting courses also teach you childcare basics like changing diapers, helping potty train, food preparation, and some fun games to play with kids. Do you need a babysitting course? No. Will you benefit from taking one? Most definitely yes!
