?'s for parents?

Question

Okay I'm 14 and very responsible, but i dont know how i can get it out there that I'm a good babysitter....I've taken all the cpr calsses and stuff but i geuss im wondering where do you find you babysitters how should i advertise............also how much should i charge

Answer 1

I found my babysitter off of Craigslist.com...We really didnt know too many people in our neighborhood with teens so I put an ad out (there were also ad's for kids wanting to babysit) I had so many responses!! For you to have the knowledge in CPR and what ever else classes you have taken is VERY good!! Try craigs list and see what happens..GOOD LUCK

Answer 2

I don't know how much you should charge because it's probably different for every area. I have paid $20 an hour for a very good sitter for my two kids, but I wouldn't normally do something like that...it was sort of an emergency.

It's good that you've taken the CPR classes. You might also look for a good babysitter class...our public library offers them every once in a while.

Advertise by printing out clear and easy to read bulletins and have tabs with your name, phone number, and "babysitter" written on them, so people can tear one off. Or you could even make business cards by buying business card templates from staples or office max and printing them up on your own computer. Ask libraries, grocery stores, doctors' offices, or whoever else has a bulletin board if you can put a bulletin in their building. Leave bulletins at churches, public pools, and other places frequented by families. Tell everyone you know that you're looking for business. Word of mouth is a great advertiser.

Answer 3

I've read all the answers you've received so far and the only one I feel the most comfortable with is from "jd." They had some good suggestions but they also counseled you to be careful. If I was the mother of a 14 yr old that was looking to start baby-sitting, I would try to help her find a couple jobs. I'd ask my own co-workers and friends if they might have a need for a sitter. I'd suggest that maybe you be hired for an afternoon, while the mother was around to offer her a little freedom to do what ever she might need to do (ie: laundry, shopping, cleaning the house) and so she could see if you and the kids react and interact well with each other. If I was you, I'd contact the people who used to baby-sit for you and see if they might need a sitter of their own if they have kids. (My regular baby-sitter is a girl who I used to baby-sit for.) OR I'd call them to see if they have any leads that they can't handle because they have too many jobs or aren't doing the baby-sitting thing anymore. If THEY liked sitting for you, then they might be willing to pass you on as a referral to their favorite customers.

Be very careful of sitting for stangers, no matter how many kids they have. If you feel funny about being in someone's home, don't ignore it. Don't go back unless you've talked it through with your parents.

As far as how much to charge goes, I'm more likely to pay $5/hour if the sitter has cleaned up any dishes that she and the kids dirtied while I was out and if all the toys are picked up by the time I get home (if I've gone out for an evening.) Otherwise, $3 is my going rate to pay for an hour.

Good luck an be careful.

Answer 4

For starters, talk to family friends with children. They will know how to talk to others. The classes and CPR are a big plus in your favor. The more people you talk to, the more you'll get. Also, fliers through the neighborhood with your information, would be good. The best babysitter that I have known charged between $5 and $7 per hour, per kid. I would say to charge that or less, just to start, so that you can prove yourself to people. If you prove yourself, you will always be asked to come back and most likely get more then what you asked for.

Answer 5

Well sitters aren't cheap now a days.... i ususally pay my sitter about $10 an hour for 3 kids... this is a bit steep so i would ask about 5-7 dollars an hour...
You can get the word out that you are wanting to watch kids by asking neighbors that have kids or friends with lil brothers and sisters or even put a flyer up in the grocery store.... Good Luck!

Answer 6

Craigs list is a good start. Also hit up the elementary schools and see if you can leave flyer's or your number. Leave flyer's up at the supermarkets and other stores in the neighborhood. Try advertising in your local pennysaver. Go door to door in different neighborhoods dropping off flyer's. As far as how much to charge depends on where you live and how many kids you are sitting. I would say no less then $5/hour for nite sitting. You can also do specials....like weekly or if you get referenced to someone else give a discount to the person who referred you.

Answer 7

Why do you think you'd be a good babysitter - make a list. If you're a good student, and appear to be responsible (Don't dress like a bum, smoke, hang out with others who do, etc) Parents will be looking for you. Parents will judge you by your appearance and the people you hang out with. Ask your mom or dad to let their friends with children know that you'd be willing to babysit. Start out doing short stints - an hour or two while mom goes shopping. Show that you can handle the job and you'll be asked back for longer assignments.

Answer 8

Do you belong to a church? Many Churchs have Mom's groups. Another way is to ask your mom or dad to put an add up on a bulliten board at work for you. Maybe even go to the park and hand out flyers when there are people with kids. Be prepared to have references available for people to call......

About chargeing....this varies so much area to area. I have found that the best thing is to just have them pay you what they think you are worth. Some people will pay well and others not so well---it all balances out in the end.

Answer 9

Your church is a good place to get the word out. As to how much to charge it depends on where you live and how old he children are. Just as other things in life require evaluation separately from general practices so does the amount you should charge. Sometimes charging less get you more. The ability of the family to pay should be considered as well as the type of children they have and the ages.

Answer 10

people usually find babysitters by word of mouth (from friends or neighbors).

you should have some experience (with family or neighbors who know you well). then you can say you are an experienced babysitter. You can use those people as references by giving their phone number to potential customers (get their permission first).

i haven't had a babysitter in a while, so i don't know the going rate.