Im going to start baby sitting soon and just want to know if anybody would hire me.
2006-08-20 17:38:50 · 37 answers · asked by mystery_rider_626 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
How you can begin is by offering your services as a "mother's helper". Which means you will go over an play/watch the child while mom is home. That way if things get out of hand, mom is nearby. If things go well, even better. You get the experience and gain a reference. You will probably have to charge a little less to be a mh however, it will adjust itself accordingly. Once you start sitting alone, you might want to begin with an older child, one that is potty-trained, and low-maintenance until you get more confident in your ability.
I think sitting is a great job for students. If you have a test, or a dance, you can always say no. McJobs doesn't care if its your prom, or your parents want to go on vacation, they want you to show up for work.
My advice for you is to not watch TV, chat on the phone, or play on the computer while the kids are awake and out of bed. Your job is to get down on the floor and interact with the children.
In addition, tell your mom that I suggested once you start babysitting to insist that if the sitting parents are going to transport you, that the same sex parent must drive you home. When I was a teen, I was sexually assaulted by the neighbor I babysat for. When I had my own children, I took the sitter home. It protected both the sitter's reputation as well as my husband's.
Not trying to scare you, just trying to protect you and make you aware.
Good luck.
2006-08-20 18:53:33 · answer #1 · answered by pamspraises 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have a friend of our family, I actually used to babysit her when SHE was little...she just turned 13 last week. I let her watch my 3 year old son for about 2-3 at a time as long as she only stays inside and pretty much only has to keep him entertained and safe. If she does need to feed him anything I make sure that it is something simple and already ready to give him. If she were anyone else I don't know if I would let a 13 year old watch him...but I have known her since birth and know that she is very responsible and will treat my son like I would. I hope this helps!!! Good luck!
2006-08-21 02:47:43 · answer #2 · answered by totspotathome 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If my kids were in bed already or if you were watching the children while I was still in the house. 13 is really young and I can't predict how you will react in an emergency. Pitch yourself to babysit in those two situations. Make sure you work out expectations and pay before you start. Good idea to take that class. I started babysitting at 13 as well.
2006-08-21 02:35:16 · answer #3 · answered by HD 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was babysitting kids when I was 11, but I was intimately acquainted with the families. Try to start by babysitting for people you know and who know that you're dependable. Maybe you'll watch the kids for an hour or so, and then as the parents get to feel more comfortable with you, they'll start asking you to watch the kids for an evening.
In essence, sure.
2006-08-20 17:57:45 · answer #4 · answered by Julia B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Believe it or not, kids could get this at the age of 10 years ago. I got one at the age of 10, and still have it. And I was the #1 in demand babysitter (I also had reasonable rates).
Yes, I would. Parents don't really look at age, they look at maturity. I would rather hire a 13 yr old who did her homework and shows responsibility, then a hormone driven 16 yr old with a boyfriend who likes to come over often.
2006-08-21 00:10:57 · answer #5 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only older children (like over 4) and only for short periods of time (going out to dinner/movie). Babies need too much care for a 13 year old.
Good luck honey. I started babysitting at 12 or 13 also :-)
2006-08-20 17:58:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not. My neighbors mom told me that her 12 year old just got a certificate from the city. I told her absolutely not. The only way is if you were watching only one child and he/she was a good child (not a trouble maker) and its was only for 1-2 hours. AND THEN this would be like some emergency situation were I could find no one else. You are too young. Try cleaning houses, or house sitting or walking dogs.
2006-08-20 17:54:19 · answer #7 · answered by circusdejojo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely, if you present yourself nicely! Make sure you make the parent know you will be responsible. On your own, clean the kitchen sink out, make sure the house is picked up AFTER the child has gone to sleep. There's nothing worse (and it's happened to me) when I've spent all day cleaning the house, I come home after a night out, and the house is a mess again, with the sitter just sitting on the couch. I don't expect a maid, but make sure the toys are picked up, etc.
Good luck! You show responsibility just by asking! Any chance you're in Philly? ;-)
2006-08-20 17:46:40 · answer #8 · answered by philateech 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No 13 is a little to young to be babysitting my kids maybe 15
2006-08-20 17:57:35 · answer #9 · answered by hotmama 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was babysitting when I was 13. I don't even think they had such things as babysitting certificates back then.
It would be best to start out with family friends, and relatively easy jobs--not too long, no infants, etc. You can build up your experience and confidence, and get referrals from them to other families.
2006-08-20 17:45:28 · answer #10 · answered by EQ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋