Providing life skills, safety skills, and child care training in order to build safer communities.
Not sure how to get started babysitting? This Babysitter Boss episode walks you through four simple steps — from taking a babysitting class to landing your first job — so you can start with confidence and build a reputation as a babysitter parents trust.
So you want to be a babysitter, but you don’t know how to get started. That’s what I’m here for. I have four easy steps to help you get started.
First, you need to take a class. I get it, you think you mostly know what to do and you can just Google the rest … so innocent, so naïve. You have no idea what you’re in for.
I can hear you now saying, “But that’s what I watch you for.” While it’s true that I am a fountain of knowledge, there’s only so much I can cover in 3-minute videos.
Seriously though, babysitting isn’t just keeping kids entertained. What would you do if a child you were watching fell down the stairs or choked on a grape? Would you know how to save them? Babysitting classes not only cover caring for and entertaining children, but also things like first aid and choking rescue.
So yes, you have to take a class. I took a Safe Sitter® class at my local hospital, and you can probably find a Safe Sitter® class near you. Hospitals, park districts, schools, YMCAs, and other community organizations offer them in places all across the country. Go to safesitter.org to find a class near you. If you can’t take a Safe Sitter® class, there are other organizations that offer classes in babysitting. Just make sure that the class you sign up for includes first aid and how to rescue a choking child.
Next, you’ll need to advertise. Safely. Tell your teachers and your neighbors that you’re a trained babysitter, and ask your parents to spread the word among their friends and co-workers as well. It’s called networking.
Third, start with an easy win. Please do not start your babysitting career with any child who reminds you of Stewie. You need to work up to that. Also, don’t start with an infant. Babies require lots of care, especially newborns, and you need some experience watching older infants and children before you’ll be ready.
Preschoolers are a good age to start with. They’re old enough to know and follow the rules, but not so old that they’ll challenge your authority. Trust me, I’ve heard enough “You’re not the boss of me” to last a lifetime. Plus, preschoolers may already be potty-trained, which is a bonus, although they might need help using the bathroom or reminders to go.
Finally, let the word spread! Once you have a couple successful jobs under your belt, word will spread about what a great babysitter you are. Parents of young children treasure good babysitters, so if you do a good job, you can sit back and let the job offers roll in!
