To parents of young children- What kind of babysitting ad are you most likely to respond to?

Question

I really need a job. I am 14 years old and am leaning toward babysitting. I just have a few questions to parents of young children or to anyone who has ever babysat. What kind of ad would you respond to? What kind of questions would you ask before giving the job? Would you trust your children to be alone with a 14- year -old? And what do you think a reasonable rate per hour per child would be?

Also for anyone else who has ever babysat, especially at my age, what kind of advice can you give me about getting the job and gaining the parents trust even though you are only 14?

Thank you so much!

Answer 1

Good question!

Remember to ask questions before RECEIVING a job too. How many kids, where are the parents going, do you have a phone number, who will be paying you, are they expecting anyone, should you open the door or answer the phone, when does the child usually go to bed, what is their bedtime routine, what are some things to help him or her go to sleep, do they like stories, what is their favorite game?

These kinds of questions will help you to be prepared.

A reasonable rate is about 5$ and hour per child. If you are babysitting one child for two hours that's 10$. If you're babysitting two kids for two hours you should get 20$. Remember that if you're babysitting more than one child, you should be getting paid better. Don't let the parents cheat you; it does happen.

To answer your question about gaining the parents' trust, I have this advice. Get an adult who knows you well to write a letter of recommendation, telling the potential employer about your punctuality, dependability, and responsibility. Give this letter to potential employers, it will give them a look into who you are are and let them see that there is another adult who trusts you. Make sure the adult is not a relative.

Good luck!

Answer 2

You'll have a hard time finding a babysitting job without references. Ask your parents to tell all of their co workers and friends that you babysit.
After you've babysat a few times ask your clients if they'll give out your name (this isn't as easy as it sounds, Whenever we find a good babysitter we keep it quiet because we want her to always be available)
If you get a job do more than expected...i.e. load the dishwasher, bake cookies, etc. If you do that you'll get more jobs than you can imagine.

Answer 3

I would not have a 14 year old child that I didn't know, or knew their parents, babysit my children. End of story.

You're more likely trying to get your parents to let you be known to co-workers, etc.,

I would want you to know CPR, how to handle an emergency. I pay $7.00 / hour for a 5 and an 8 year old.

Answer 4

I would not let a 14 year old watch my child unless they were at least 8 years old. I do not trust anyone with the safety of my children, especially not a teenagere. Sorry to be rash, but that is just my opinion. Good luck!

Answer 5

i would not hire anyone i did not know personally or at least was recommended by another parent