Advice, please?

Question

This year I was going to babysit on new years eve (but then that fell through) instead of going to a party so I have several questions:
1. I still would like to (I can probably make around $50), but it is getting a bit late, and need to find someone else. I'm putting a sign up in my synagogue and my mom is going to ask around her office, but do any of you have other ideas?
2. I've babysat before, but only with a friend (never alone), and I was wondering if you have any ideas on how to entertain the kids, what to do if they get out of control, and things not to do?
3. How much should I charge per hour (the people who I'd babysit for would be fairly wealthy, but I'm only 13 and have had a fairly limited babysitting experience- the kids I'd babysat before were the same people and very well behaved)?
4. What should I wear?
Thanks to all of you who answer, even if it is only one of the questions (and I will be giving best answer to the one I like the best)

Answer 1

I have been babysitting since I was twelve, so I know exactly how you're feeling. Overwhelmed, anxious, yet so excited. Congratulations on landing your first solo job!

To answer your first question, go for it. Babysit your heart out. What more could make your new year happy but kids? And putting a sign up in your synagogue was a great idea. Good visibility with people who know and trust you. And the best advertisement for a babysitter is word of mouth. So if you do well, you'll soon become a babysitting legend.

For your second answer, babysitting alone the first time may be a little scary but after the first hour, you'll get used to it. Keep the doors locked and don't freak out if the floor creaks. Remember, the house is apparently safe because there were no previous problems with security. Keep a clear head and you'll be fine. =)

Entertaining the children and keeping them under control can always be an adventure. But most kids aren't like those in the movies where they have ropes hung from their ceilings. I've found that using your imagination never fails. Pirates is a great game to play with younger kids. It's also fun to play games like pictionary or sherades with older kids. Take a few board games that are easy to set up and take down, take plenty of paper and writing/drawing utensils, and maybe a few safe toys. It's always nice to have a special treat (like homemade cookies too). I would recommend preparing a Babysitting Bag. Kids love it and it looks GREAT to the parents too.

If the children get out of control for any reason, don't be afraid to take back control because the parents might disagree with your decision making. They'd be much more disappointed to find that the kids ran the house. Use positive reinforcement if possible (such as praising the good actions of the child or other children) but take away rewards (such as bed time and snacks) if necessary.

The amount you should charge depends on how many children you're watching AND how much experience you have. For instance, when I first started babysitting I got $6/hour for two children, and $8/hour for more than two. I'm now 19 and that hasn't changed. You'll notice that the price you start with will stick with that family for the long haul, so be careful what you choose.

Wear clothes that are nice but you don't mind getting dirty. Kids are full of surprises, and sometimes those surprises will end up on your clothes. Also wear clothes that don't restrict movement. You want be just as energetic, if not MORE energetic, than the children. That is the key to babysitting- YOU should wear out the kids, not the other way around. Make sure you're well rested.

I hope this helps you out and please contact me if you want some more great ideas. After 7 years of experience, I have a mind full of quick, easy, FUN ideas!! [e-mail] ;) HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Answer 2

1) Personally--I'd charge $50 to stay until 1am. Be willing to negotiate for the parents to stay out later--even better--if your mom is willing, offer to have her come wherever you are babysitting at Midnight and stay with you until the whenever the parents come home---and charge $100 (give $25 to your mom). I say that because most kids will sleep better in their own beds and the parents will feel better knowing that an adult is there past midnight, otherwise I'd suggest the parents drop the kids off at your house. (You can nix your mom coming over to stay the night when you get to be 15 or 16). So, if you will be staying past 1am , charge more. I'd certainly pay the premuim not to be on a time schedule, especially knowing an adult would be there--and I don't mean any offense to you--but these will be kids you are sitting for the first time.

2) Watch movies that are age approprite--if the kids are older than 3, make sure you pop popcorn--you could have an offical "movie night". If the kids are, say 6, or older and can stay up until midnight, then have your own NYE party--take apple juice to toast at Midnight, you could go buy party hats (for pretty cheap) at Party City for them to wear--The parents would LOVE that you took the initiate to buy something for the event for the kids (hence charging a premium for NYE). Then, IF they manage to stay awake--get some pots and pans and wooden spoons--and at Midnight--make a quick run into the front yard and RING in the New Year! The kids will love it! Then, go inside and toast with the juice and make a big pallet in the floor and go to bed.

3) As I said earlier-charge a flat rate for two or 3 kids of $50 if the parents will be home by 1am. Anything else---I'd charge $100.

4) Wear jeans and a shirt like you usually would and pack an pver night bag with PJs and a tooth brush.

Most of all--if you get a gig that night--make it a semi-party for you and the kids. I guarantee they will ask you back next year!

Good luck--and HAVE FUN!! It's your NYE too!

Answer 3

1.) I'm not clear on this one. I take it you're looking for a client? The ideas you've listed are the ones I'd recommend. Personally, I wouldn't let a 13-year-old watch my children unless she was known to me. Say, the daughter of a co-worker or someone from my synagogue. =)

2.) Entertaining them depends partly on the age of the kids. Most kids like things that are new to them (other people's toys are always more fun), so if you have a few things you can bring with you -- books, games, etc -- that are appropriate for the age-group, you'll probably have their undivided attention.

Check with the parents before hand about things like TV (what, how much, until what time), food (especially "junk" food or snacks) and bedtimes. It's actually best to ask this IN FRONT of the kids, so they don't play the "But mom lets me..." game. And even if they DO pull that one on you... "Well, that's nice, but I'm not your mom. When she's here, she can let you do that. But I'm here now, and so you're going to X."

If they truly get out of control... call the parents. (Make sure they leave a number where they can be reached.) Try not to bother them if you can avoid it -- a call from you probably means ending their evening early. But if things are truly out of hand, don't hesitate to call them. They'd rather hear from you than the police or the emergency room.

3.) I'm really not sure. Around here, the going rate for (adult) childcare is $25/day. I don't know what to charge for babysitting by a teenager... When (as an adult and mother) I started babysitting other people's babies, I pretty much let them make me an offer (and accepted).

4.) Wear SOMETHING COMFORTABLE! Sweats would be a good call for New Years Eve, as you'll probably have a rather late night. Avoid skirts, as you don't want to have to worry about keeping your knees together (or otherwise compromising your modesty). Aside from that... whatever is comfortable, whatever you'll feel good in, playing on the floor and lifting things (children) in.

Answer 4

GOOD IDEA!! First off, wear something comfy to sleep in in case you are there super late too. You could play board games, or get some of that color wonder finger paint if mom doesn't mind spending a little..it only paints on that paper, and the kids LOVE it. Even my 9 year old boy. You could make up a scavenger hunt for them according to age and have a prize for the one who wins, say mabe their pick of a bedtime movie, or story, or let them stay up 30 minutes late or something. If you keep them busy, they have no time to act up...hopefully. Most daycares charge two dollars an hour per kid, but you could set a flat rate of say...$50 that you were talking about. They should be pretty flexible on pay, especially on new years since it would be very late. If you have any more questions feel free to mail me, [e-mail]. I could probably come up with some more great ideas. Especially from my 3-k book that i do with the kids at church. Good Luck.

Answer 5

1ask a friend 2 depends on age make an art project read to them watch the ball drop if they can stay up 3 7 per hour and 3-5 for each other child an hour 4 something confortable

Answer 6

WELL I BABYSAT BUT I CHARGE DIFFERENTLY AT NIGHT I CHARGE MORE