Babysitting Jobs Are Fun but Lots of Responsibility

Before I was old enough to have a part-time job, I was babysitting neighborhoods kids. Many people say this isn't a job; it's easy. Well it's not easy and it was a job with lots of responsibility.

Basically, babysitting is the first real job a teenager will have. It's stressful and the biggest responsibilities a person can have. You have children's lives in your hands. You have to know what they are doing, how they are doing something, and where they are at all times. You have to know how to handle an emergency if it happens.

If you are a teen below the age of sixteen and would like to earn some spending money, babysitting is the way but remember it's not something you can just set on the couch and watch TV or talk on the phone, like TV shows present, it is a big responsibility and you have to keep your eye on the children at all times.

I have some information below that will probably answer some if not all your questions if you want to start babysitting.

I know the first thing a teen wants to know is how much can they charge? There are a few factors involved in setting your babysitting price. The general rule of thumb is to start with $3.00 to $5.00 per hour. This can be adjusted depending on the number of kids you will be caring for; the more kids the higher hourly charge. The time of day you will be caring for the kids, if you are caring for them in the daytime, your rate should be higher because you will have to entertain the children. At night they will spend the majority of there time in bed so your rate should be lower.

If you are asked to spend the night, then you might want to consider a flat rate. The ages of the children are something to think about also, if you are babysitting an infant, toddler, they will require more work and constant attention than older children. Also if the child is potty trained or not. If not, you should increase your rate.

Your experience is also a big factor. The more experience and training you have, you can increase your rate. If you are not comfortable in setting your own rate then ask your friends that baby-sit what their rate is. This will give you an idea where to start.

The second question often asked is, do I need any special training or a certificate to baby-sit? No you do not need any special training to baby-sit. It is helpful though to take a babysitting course through your Health Department. It will help build your confidence and teach you some things you probably don't know right now like basic first aid, what to say to the police or the paramedics in an emergency, what the signs of poisoning is and how to contact the poison control center in your area, how to remain calm in a crisis, and how to talk to 911.

Many of these things you have probably been taught already but have you been in an emergency situation before? Did you stay calm and inform everyone the right way? Practicing these techniques over and over again will help you stay calm if a real emergency does happen.

The third question is what information should I get from the parents before they leave for the evening? Most parents will have a list of contact information and the emergency phone numbers but if they don't, ask for the list. You should go over the list before the parents leave the house encase there is something they forgot that you think you need.

Here is a checklist of information you should have written down and put it by the phone, that way it is ready if there is an emergency.

Contact phone numbers for the parents and there cell phone number.
Name and phone number for the place the parents will be.
2 emergency phone numbers you can call incase you can't get a hold of the parents.
The complete address of the house you are babysitting at.
Your parent's home and cell phone numbers.
Poison Control Center
911

If 911 does not service this area you are babysitting at then you need the Emergency number.

You also should have the parents write down anything that the children are allergic to and any medication they are presently taking.

Another good idea is for the parents to write down any special instructions they want you to follow like, TV, video games, bedtime, bedtime rituals, and food.

Babysitting can be a fun experience but remember you are responsible for the children safety while they are in your hands.