Babysitting questions?!?

Question

I'm a college student but I'd really like to start babysitting. I love kids (I'm going to school to be a teacher) and the extra money would be great!! I have an open schedule and have experience with children, neices, nephews and I'm cpr certified so I feel qualified. However, I don't know anyone who needs a babysitter and have no idea how to start babysitting?

How do I find clients?

How much should I charge?

Should the kids come to my house, or I go to theirs?

Any other advice would also be great!!

Also, I've noticed most of the other babysitting questions are from 11-15 year olds...Am I to old to be a babysitter?

Answer 1

I have two college age babysitters and I love them. I have three boys ages 9, 7 and 6 and they are old enough to keep control and do activities with my boys instead of just sitting and watching TV. My babysitters come from various sources, kids at church, swim team coaches, friend's older children. Most have just mentioned in passing that they were willing to babysit and when I needed them I called. I personally prefer for my kids to be babysat at home where all their toys and stuff is and where they know the rules and the neighborhood, but will occasionally allow them to go somewhere else if it is needed. I base how much I pay on several things, how many kids, time of day, length of stay and which day. I pay more for Friday or Saturday night. What you charge needs to be based on those things and you have two choices, take what you are given or work out details up front. I never pay less than $20 so that it is always worth the sitter coming over and they want to return even if it for just a short time. I hope this helps.

Answer 2

I, as the mom of six, would much prefer a college student to a preteen-young teen caring for my children. I would hope that a college student would be more mature, and be much more responsible for my children.

One thing that would bother me, though, is that a college student is just as capable of partying or having sex in my home. I would be very worried the entire time I was gone about the care of my children, and about the activities going on with the person I selected to watch them.

In my opinion, as a responsible babysitter, the person would have no company--after all, the concern is for the child(ren)--not for the sitter's social life.

You could take out an ad in your local (hopefully free) newspaper. The rate would depend upon where you live, and how much other sitters right in your area earned--it really does vary from town to town.

Where I live, to babysit in the babysitter's home, the sitter must have a license--which for some reason does not apply to a sitter who goes to the residence of the children. You need to check out your local laws on that matter.

The advice would only be to be concerned only with the children--even if they sleep the entire time you are there. You cannot take a chance of having someone else over there--as if anything out of the ordinary happened--it could mean as much as jail time.

I do wish you a lot of luck - I am just worried that you really know what kind of responsibility you are taking on. I, personally, babysat at age 12--BUT it was my nextdoor neighbor's infant--who slept--and my parents were right next door--in the event of an emergency.

Answer 3

YOu are in no way to old to babysit. Actually I know alot of people that make alot of money babysitting. If I were you Id call your local community connections and maybe even get a daycare license if you will be sitting for non family memebers, basically it could become a career, maybe even a preschool if you really wanna teach young children. You could advertise, talk to your other college friends, family etc. I would charge no less then 20.00 for a full day on non family memebers. I think depending on the number of kids and what the parents feel comfortable that should be the deciding factor in the where should you go to sit. If you would like more info email me [e-mail]

Answer 4

You are not too old to do childcare. Contact the local elementary school and ask them if they keep a list of available childcare providers for parents and ask to be put on the list. Also check with your college career counselor. As for charging...minimum wage or better. If this seems outlandish, check your local paper for current rates in the area. As for going to their house or yours, that's personal choice. There are draw-backs to both (they feel at home, they mess up your place, you feel more comfy at home, you could be accused of stealing from their home, etc).

Also check with your local Red Cross for other certifications you may want or need.

Remember, ALL income must be reported to the IRS irregardless of the amount.

Answer 5

I am a recent college grad. and I still kid sit on the side. I work in a preschool so it is easy for me to find people to sit for.

I am sure there is some sort of community board or website for your area that could list people who need care.

I always try to go to that families house. It is much easier for the kid(s) because they are in more familiar surroundings.

Hope that helps...

Here in Phoenix I make roughly 10/hr

Answer 6

There are Nanny placements that would be best for you. They will do all your screenenings and the parents get to pick you. Check your area.