Becoming a babysitter???

Question

I just recently had my son and he is currently staying with an individual while I work part time. I would really love to be able to stay home with him at least until he starts to school but we can't afford it. So my thinking is this...my babysitter charges me 60 a week...if I were to become certified and took on three maybe four kids charging just a bit more then mine we could afford it then..I just don't know if I really want to commit to staying at home each and everyday watching other people's kids until 5-5:30. What are some pro's and con's of being a babysitter.

Answer 1

I have been a child care provider in my home for 20 years, licensed for 16 of those years. While I did not intentionally begin caring for other people's children as a business, but rather as a favor for relatives, neighbors, and friends, I quickly realized that it was a business and was much more involved than simply "babysitting". For me, the cons are 1) wear and tear on furniture, flooring, equipment, etc. and the expense that goes with reparing/replacing things, 2) long days (generally about 12 hour days - 10 with kids and 2 to prepare, plan, clean-up, and paperwork) 3) paperwork! 4) while I have not had much trouble with this, many providers I know deal with parents who arrive late for pick-up and don't pay on time. For me, pros are 1) I LOVE what I do, from changing diapers, wiping noses, rocking babies, soothing tears, and preparing endless meals/snacks - it is all enjoyable 2) I have been able to be at home for my kids when they get on and off the bus, 3) From the beginning I have only provided part-time care which has given me flexibility when I want to take a day or 1/2 a day off for field trips or class parties with my kids. There are also some other things to consider when contemplating a career as a child care provider. First, caring for other people's children is not as lucrative as you might think. Expenses include additional liability insurance coverage for your home, toys, books, games, food, appropriate sleeping equipment such as porta-cribs, cots, or mats, and training such as first aid and CPR along with continuing education classes (10 hours yearly of training is required in our state for in-home child care providers). Additionally, during the time children are in your care you never have a break which can be hard for people who are used to a lunch break and coffee break throughout the day. Finally, balancing the needs of the children in your care with the needs of your own children can be complicated. My own children are 28, 26, almost 23, and 10. We have had some difficult situations when they felt jealous sharing their home, their mom, and their things. Early on we found it best to keep our own kids' rooms and things off-limits to the daycare children. Even though my kids liked me being at home, they often wished that I didn't do daycare. However, it has been good for all of them in the sense that they are all quite good with kids, they know how to change diapers, feed and burp a baby, play games, and settle disputes between little ones. I did babysitting when I was in junior high and high school, but what I do know is much more involved and requires a great deal more commitment not only on my part, but on my whole family.

Answer 2

Hi, I also considered this. First off the rate of pay for a full time in home daycare is $90.00 - $150..00 a week. I was paying $100.00. I recently decided to stay home with my last baby, so I am still trying to figure that out. But I thought long and hard about commiting to watching other kids, I love kids and I always have extras because of my kids. Besides the obvious good reasons, the following is why I decided not to.
1. You will be committed. meaning limited opptions as to when you can leave your home, due to others schedules.
2. If your going to be legal, there is paperwork, training, certification. DHS has this info.
3. People may not show up or not pay on time.
4. Liability if they get hurt on your property.
5. My previous daycare got into a arguement with a mom over money owed, she had allowed the mom to go several weeks with out paying, so she refused to keep the child anymore, to get back at her the mom began to spread rumers that the teenager in the house had touched her daughter, and THAT spread fast, some one then called DHS and he was arrested and the sitter had to hire a lawyer to fight this charge, I mean this was a ugly mess. I kept my child there because I felt in my hearts of hearts that he did not do this. But he has to register as an offender every where he lives. I couldn't take that chance with my family.
I'm not trying to be a kill joy, I just have legal traing. Try selling Home interiors, or avon. You would probably make just as much if not more than babysitting daily.

Answer 3

I did this with my neighbor's child at the beginning of this year when both babies were 3-4 months old. We did it a few days a week for about 5 hours a day. Even at that young age when they don't move or get into anything it was VERY HARD. And I've been babysitting my whole life. You tend to feel like the other child is stealing your time from your precious baby and fight off a whole new level of resentment. Not resentment at the other baby but just at life (or your husband) in general for putting you in this position. Most of the time it's great because babies are just great. But honestly, if I'd had to take care of more than the 2 and if one of those had been older, it would've been impossible for me. My role as babysitter+mom only lasted for a few months. I went back to work at my old company (from home) for more hours. But that's just me. You may be far more capable of handling other people's children. It's different after you have your own - you definitely prefer yours over others. One other thing - my daughter is almost 1 now. She's been with me, at my hip, for this entire year. And she's completely NOT social. Part of me wishes she could have spent some time away from me so that we wouldn't have to fight this battle now that she's more alert. It's so hard when they're tiny to leave them. But when your son reaches 6-7 months and requires far more entertainment, you will appreciate that someone else is there to liven things up a bit and give you a break. Good luck to you in your decision. It's a very hard position to be put in, I know.

Answer 4

My mom did that, and she loved that she was able to spend time with her youngest, but it worn her ragged. I mean really understand that these kids are going to be there each and every day and it is a big job. Maybe instead just get involved with his school activities or if he is in boyscouts, become a scout mom or a coach or something like that...I admire you wanting to spend time with you child, as a former nanny, I can tell you a lot of parents do not!!!

Answer 5

You will be able to be home with your son but your time will also be divided between him and other children. He will be able to interact with other children and learn to share but he will also be exposed to their germs and bad habits. You will make decent money and will be able to deduct business expenses but you will have to operate as a small business including being insured and you will have to make sure that you get paid. You will not have to leave home to go to work but you will not interact with other adults all day and your home will resemble a day care all the time. You will not have to leave your house to go to a job but you will be stuck home everyday because you are responsible for taking care of other peoples children. You will be able to set your business hours and rules but you will also have to listen to the parents requests, excuses and complaints. Hope this covers the pros and cons.

Answer 6

attempt coming up flyers (google "babysitting flyers" on google photos to get an concept). placed those flyers around on posts, libraries, and so on (places the place mom and dad many times flow to normally). make confident to not submit your handle however, placed your telephone extensive style in basic terms. determine you're with an person in case you meet with the mother and dad (you in no way be responsive to who you are going to run into) and voila! you are able to start to be a babysitter.

Answer 7

at time progresses, you will the the one molding these peoples children, thats not a tiny job.

Answer 8

your son will really appreciate it, thats all that matters.