Babysitting?

Question

I'm going to start babysitting and petsitting as soon as I turn 12. What do I need to know? what classes should I take? What is the average fee that I should charge? Please tell me all you know on the subject os babysitting?

To the person who asked why I don't know everthing if my name is Rachel the all-knowing,
It is just a screen name and you spelled knowing wrong.
If you are going to be rude, do it right.

How much does the Red Cross class cost?

Answer 1

There is a lot to know. First of all, take some cpr classes and learn what to do in first aid situations. I babysit a lot and i ask other babysitters around town what their fee is. If you plan on baby sitting in your home you should research "baby proofing". I am sure there are sites on the internet with info for you. Just search for tips on babysitting.

Answer 2

You should take a medical/babysitting course that'll teach you everything you need to know about babysitting. I took it in school when I was about 12, and it's been a big help in all the babysitting I've done (which is a LOT!) Make sure the classes you take teach you how to do important manouvers such as the Heimlech, J thrust and CPR. Your babysitting course should provide a manual that includes a lot of information about how to handle a variety of situations for different aged kids, so I usually take that with me just in case. Other than that, bring toys, picture books, easy puzzles, Lego and games with you (kids love "Twister"!) and they'll always be so excited to see you because they'll get to play with toys other than their own. There is so much more to be said on this topic, but I hope I gave you a few ideas on the stuff that I did say. Best of luck!

Answer 3

Basically, babysitting is pretty simple if you have the knack for it. However, that is coming from an Elementary Education Major.
A really good thing to do though would be to get certified in child CPR. It is not mandatory, but it would be very benificial and the parents would come to trust you more with their children. You may even get paid more for being certified. Another thing would be to take a Parenting class at your high school. There is a lot of good information in that class such as developmenta stages and such. As far as the fee, I would let the parents set the price in the beginning, let them see how you are with the kids for a while and then later if the need arises you could always ask for a raise. Good luck!!!

Answer 4

Take a CPR class through a place like the Red Cross. Charging fee should be at least $5.00 for one child per hour. But the price depends on the parent and you can negotiate it. I used to do it for a free dinner and a movie from the parent. Don't try to watch more than three kids at a time at first until you get the hang of it. The parent should leave you a number you can reach them at if you need them. You should have a number for someone you call to ask questions you might not know that you don't want to bother the parent for like your mom's number.

Answer 5

Red cross has a babysitting course you can do. Contact your local red cross. Go to the website redcross.org or is it .com. something like that. I have to do my renewl for my infant/child/adult CPR myself.

I am trying to remember how much. I believe something is about 35 or so.

I would also recommend to babysit some relatives kids supervised and get a lot of hints. Same with talk with parents on their expectations etc.

Since you are under 12, I would discuss this with the red cross about seeing if there is any classes in your area for pre-teens/teens.

If you need any assistance or ideas, go ahead and give me an email stating so. I babysit and also an assistant teacher from 2 to12 year olds.

Answer 6

CPR classes is a must
I would start off by asking other friends what they charge or for the first couple jobs talk with the people you are babysitting or petsitting to see what is fair. The fee varies depending on were you live.

Answer 7

Check with your local Red Cross or YMCA for a babysitting class. Learn CPR and first aid- they'll boost your rate and make parents view you as more serious about your job and their kids.

I pay my day care provider $10 for an afternoon from 2:05 to 5:30. She has multiple kids, but she's also a grown up, a mother of 4 and has a license. I would pay a responsible teen I trusted $5 an hour. You might start at $4 to get a name for yourself and some references.

When I babysat as a kid I got recommended to people's friends and gradually increased my rates for new families- but kept the lower rate for the people who got me started and brought me more business.

Answer 8

they offer babysitting classes through the red cross that you may want to take. Some people also like it if you have CPR training. Some people also like it if you are able to cook when they go out to dinner and need you to feed the kids. other than that you may need to know how to change diapers, read stories, and play with kids. Average rate for 1 kid is between $4-$6 depending on where you live. More than 1 kid is between $5-$8. Good luck!!!

Answer 9

When I was about your age I wondered the same thing as well. It's important to learn these skills--as you will get more and more clients. I took the Red Cross Babysitter's Course. Not only does it teach you practical things like CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver--it also teaches you correct behavior to deal with being in another person's home, correcting bad behavior, dealing with anxiety problems, and just basic behavior things with children. I loved this class. Also they will put you on a list--this list will be people's resource to you. They will call the Red Cross and they will refer you to possible clients. I hope this helps. Best of Luck!

Answer 10

As a mom of 4 definitely take a CPR class, my sitter is an that was the main reason that I picked her. As far as price you can charge by the hour, like 6.50@ hour ( or more) if you are doing it like every Mon, Wed, And Fri. Or do a flat fee like maybe 20-30 bucks for a Friday and Saturday night