babysitting?

Question

anyone who has done babysitting before (mainly teenagers though plz) can u tell me anything about it?
e.g.
1)did u do a corse,where did u do it, how much did it cost, how long did it take to compleate?
2) how did u start out, how hard or scary was it the 1st few times u did it.
3) what did u do while you were there, how many kids have u looked after at once, what was the hardest part, how much did u charge
4) do u have any stories about baby sitting(funny, scary, just ordinary ect)

obviously u dont need 2 answer all of these ( bt if u do u might get the 10 points...) but any coments would be appreciated

thanx xxx

oh and how many times have u done it and was it worth it in the end

Answer 1

Hi kandeekkissxx's,I am 14, and I am glad to hear that you have started to babysit! Yes I have done a babysitting course, it costed me 40$, and it took at least 4 hours. I did my babysitting course at the Saint John Ambulance. But you might have to find one near you.

When I first started out, it was a disaster. Although I have had many experience, it was auful. I still feel bad to this day. Ok, here it goes, I was putting a piece of cold pizza in the microwave for the kids, I had no idea how to use this microwave. I set it for 5 min! What was I thinking. After like 1 minute, I saw all of this smoke everywear! I quiclky went to the micro and took the pizza out which was BLACK! There was somke everywhere, like the whole first level of the floor. And it smelled so bad. So I called my mom, and she told me what to do. Thank goodness she was there! Plus I broke their plate. Arggg, what a day!

My Rates

1-2 kids ~ $5.00/hour
Each additional child ~ $1.25/hour

*When you are babysitting a baby under 10 months old, you should ask to be paid a bit more than your regular charge, since you must give more attention, change the baby, feed the baby, and put the baby to bed.

Actually, I like to play with the kids. That is what makes you a better babysitter, and the parents will ask you more to babysit. The most kids I have looked after once is 2 kids. The hardest part for me is cooking meals for the kids, expecially if they are picky (which they are).

I did have that one story, but I already told you that one 'bout the microwave. It was scary! Also I have babsit way to many times to count, but I do keep track in my organizer.

Here are some games you can play with the kds according to age:

Tips for babysitting
(ages 10monts- 1 year)

Games you can play: Toys that make noise, big blocks, pat-a-cake, and you can watch movies.

2-3 years old

Games:

Ride-on-toys, push-pull toys, water toys, picture books, simple puzzles, hide and go seek, rolling and catching ball, movies or watching t.v.

4-5 years old

Games:

Puppets, costumes, masks, play dishes, crayons and paper, arts and crafts, moves, dress-up, 1-spy, playing store, tricycles, wagons, skipping ropes, hula-hoops, roller skating, Barbie’s, toy trucks, and movies.

6-10 years

Games to play:

Magic sets, models, puzzles, craft kits, hobby kits, cards, board games, video or computer games, sporst and movies.

I have toooonnnns more tips I could give you, but its too much to read! Talk to ya later!

I am a babysitter!

Answer 2

I have done and still do a lot of babysitting I got started because a neighbour asked me to watch her kids.

A course is always handy but get a book and learn minor first aid tips what to do with a burn, what do you do if a child is choking etc. How to change a nappy, how much formula etc.

When you first babysit for a family get there early and find out -
where the keep the first aid box?
Are the children allergic to anything?
What time do the kids go to bed?
What is there bed time routine ie do they have a hot drink or a story read to them?
Get contact phone numbers from them.

If this is your first few times babysitting I suggest you watch children that are at least five years old or older. You can play with the kids until they go to bed. They are bound to have toys and colouring books etc but establish the rule from the start that if they start playing with something else the first item must be tidied up.
This will mean the parents like you the kids like you and you will get more work.

Once the kids are in bed you can watch the TV etc. If you have a drink wash your things up after you it is just polite.
Check on the kids when they are in bed occasionally.
Don't invite your friends around unless you ask if you can bring one first.
You can charge about £ 4

Hope this helps

Answer 3

Hi! I'm 13 and I babysit all the time.


•I did take a course, it didn't cost much
•I started with kids 4 and 2 and It went fine, they were very well listened and it was hard to know where the stuff was so ask the parents where the diapers, bottles etc. are.
•I played with the kids and let them pretend to cook on their play stove and stuff, they love that.
•I have babysat 6 kids at once, the ages were 10 months, 1 year, 4 years and some older kids,
•I remember this one time I was babysitting at the cupboard got stuck and I pulled really hard and it came out of the wall... Lol ya I was terrified but the dad wasn't mad at all XD
•Babysitting is definitely worth it, I babysit a 2 year old and a 3 month old and their parents think of me as an auntie or older sister because they love me, but anyways just try it! See if you like it

Answer 4

Well I'm 15 and I babysit all the time and I seriously hate it but people ring up my mum and my mums like sure Amy would love to do it. :s

Anyway I didn't do a course or anything. But it's probably useful to do first aid or something. Babysitting not scary usually, after all there just kids usually under 10. I have looked after 4 at once but they were in bed when I got there so that was ok. The hardest part is nappy changing and getting them to bed! But usually just go "if you don't get to bed right now I'm ringing you mum" and that usually works. Well I usually charge about £20-£30 but it depends. If you stick posters up people might ring you. Also be the fun cool babysitter so the kids will ask their parents for you again and hopefully word will get around about you and soon you will have loads of jobs.

Seriously though it's not fun but If you have a job as well you will be loaded lol. Well when there in bed you are basically getting paid to watch TV.

Answer 5

Well, I am 19 and I have been babysitting since I'm 13. I never took a course or anything, but I grew up with so many younger brothers and sisters.. so I had plenty of experience. It was scary at first being in someone's house alone with their kids. Just relax! Put on a movie that they love and let them set blankets up on the floor and watch it with you. Even if the parents say you can use their phone... Don't! They are just testing you. They don't want you sitting on the phone while you are watching their kids... it's irresponsible. Keep your cell on vibrate and only answer it if it is your parents calling! Keep your attention focused on the kids!
To answer your questions..
It wasn't hard.. babysitting is easy if you know what kids like to do.. If you don't.. then ask them.. Make sure you ask the parents what snacks they can have, and what tv channels they can watch, etc. Don't assume the kids are telling the truth when they say "Mommy said I could!"
The most kids I have watched at a time was 3... ages 7, 11 and 13...I charged $10 / hour.
If you wanna hear a story, I have one. I was watching those three kids, and actually I was watching them for one of the doctors that I was working for, and before they left home they said to their daughter that she had to clean her room tomorrow before she played with anyone. So after we ate dinner I said "Why don't I help you clean your room tonight so you can play all day tomorrow!" and she said OK and when her parents came home they were extremely happy to see that her room was clean.
One other piece of advice. Don't bathe the children unless you have known them for a while... If a parent asks you to, tell them you don't feel comfortable enough to bathe them. It's not smart to bathe them.. It's a big no no especially with little boys. You can't avoid changing diapers, but don't bathe.
hope I helped!!
Good Luck!! Don't be nervous!

Answer 6

I'm a mom. This is the kind of babysitter I hire...Take babysitting courses and CPR. Do you know what to do if a child is choking on something? Start with older kids 3 years old and up. You should not have more than 2 or 3 kids depending on their ages. Just play with them. And remember, if they can talk they will tell their parents everything that happens. You may get frustrated if they are a handful. Never lose your temper. Just keep them busy playing. Be fun and silly and entertaining. I pay $5/hr for 1 kid, $8/hr for two kids. It varies.

Answer 7

Hi, I'm a parent too. Any parent would be very reassured to have a babysitter who had done child care at school or college or even a first aid course.

Of course it is not essential, sometimes you just need to be someone that the kids like! Get to know your neighbours kids - give them a big smile and a big hello when you see them. Ask them appropriate questions for their ages. Ask if you can have a go on their scooters when you know them a bit better. Let them get you wet with their water pistols in the summer. Then say to their parents that you would be happy to babysit if they wanted to go out! Word gets around.

We and our friends are often chasing after the same babysitters - we share them!

I pay between £10 and £15 depending how long we have been out, and always pay for a taxi if required. Don't know if my friends pay more - I daren't ask in case I need to pay £20 or something!

I used to babysit when I was young - my worst experience was when my triplet cousins, who were two, were all playing up and they managed to strip their beds and remove the mattresses off their beds! I was exhausted after putting them back! The other worst experience was when I had a dirty nappy to contend with! I was bawking big time!

Answer 8

Hellooo :-)

I have just started a baby sitting job so I can give you some advice. Firstly, for day to day babysitting, you don't need any qualifications but if you want to consider it as a proper career when you're older you should see if you can do a Childcare Course. Usually, if you offer your services for cheaper than normal (ask for about 4 quid an hour) that's a big bonus. Obviously it helps if you have brothers and sisters who you've already taken care of. Just have a walk around all your neighbours and you might find someone in need of help, there's loads of childcare work nowadays, let me tell you. Sadly, I have no stories yet as it's my first night tonight, so wish me luck!

From one babysitter to another x

Answer 9

1) Yes, YWCA, $30, 1 day. But courses prices and length can vary.
2) I started out with Family Friends and Neighbors but it was not scary for me because I knew the town.
3) I watched a movie with the kids and gave a bottle to the baby, 3, getting the baby to sleep, about $5 per hour.
4) My story is: When I was baby-sitting (the parents were just around the street) I was feeding the baby and he was falling asleep to a put him on a blanket layed out for his bed and he starts to cry I pick him up and stops, set him down, crys pick him up stops, ETC. I was like that Sharpies Commercial! I ended up just letting him falling asleep in my arms!


Good Luck!!!

Answer 10

I'm 26 now, but my 1st baby sitting duty was for one of my nieces 7 years ago.

As soon as my sister left the house my niece wailed the place down, cuddles and milk soon placated her but then she cried again so I thought she might need a nappy change. I led her on the mat and the little cow pee'd on the mat. I must have been changing her on a slope or something as it rolled all the way to her head so I then had to bathe and change her completely (and explain why all of her clothes were in the wash).

Man was I glad when it was bedtime (mine, not hers).

I have 4 nieces and 2 nephews now. You learn the tricks as you go along. ie taking a dirty nappy off completely before releasing their feet (otherwise they manage to get their feet in their own poo and trust me that isn't fun) lightly rubbing their noses and eyes when you try to get them to sleep, making sure that you wind them before you put them to bed...

I could go on forever.

Needless to say, I'm not in any rush to have any of my own.